A Guide To Making Sure Your Feet Get The Support They Need

If you look at the details, the foot is an amazing instrument. Each foot contains 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments. The soles of our feet contain more sweat glands and sensory nerve endings per square centimeter than any other part of the body.

Our feet also do tons of work every day — literally. During a normal day of walking, the total force on our feet can amount to hundreds of tons, or the equivalent of a loaded cement truck. To make
sure your feet are getting the support they need, here are a few simple steps you can take to find the right footwear for you.

1. NIP FOOT PAIN IN THE BUD
If your feet are bothering you, it’s likely because of the repetitive nature of the interaction between your gait and your footwear. Most non-impact foot and ankle injuries are a result of consistently wearing improper footwear. The sooner you see a foot professional to find out exactly what is bothering you, the better your chances are of alleviating the pain and discomfort.

2. WEAR LARGER SHOES
Over the past four decades, the average shoe size worn by Americans has increased by 2 sizes. Comfort Plus staff estimate that up to 80 percent of foot problems are a result of people wearing too small of a shoe size. While it’s tempting to select a shoe that makes your foot look as slender as possible, finding the right fit for your feet is essential for good foot health.

3. REPLACE YOUR WORKOUT SHOES
Getting exercise is a great way to improve your circulation and maintain a healthy body weight. But when you push your body towards its limits, you’re also pushing your footwear to its limits. A shoe is normally well worn out by the time it’s noticeable on the outsole or tread. To make sure your feet are staying protected while you run or exercise, make sure to change your workout shoes every 500 miles, or roughly every six months.

4. INVEST IN A GOOD HOUSE SHOE
A lot of people love being barefoot at home, but a good house shoe can offer considerably more support and comfort than no shoe at all. Look for a good slipper, clog or sandal, ideally with an outdoor sole so you can wear it to grab the paper or pick up a gallon of milk. A good pair can last you years.

5. FORGET THE FLIP-FLOPS AND PICK UP A GOOD HEALTH SANDAL
Before you head to the beach (or to the neighborhood pool) this summer, skip the bin of cheap flip-flops and take a look at one of the fitness sandals offered by companies like FitFlop, Finn Comfort, Mephisto, Birkenstock, Naot or Wolky. All of these brands offer stylish, sporty sandals that provide ample support and comfort while still allowing your feet to breathe.

6. DON’T FORGET ABOUT YOUR HOSIERY
Your heart works hard to pump blood throughout your body, and one of the furthest places it has to travel is your feet. Why restrict it with a binding sock? If your sock leaves an indention on your
calf, you probably need something new. Comfort Plus carries socks that are seamless, non-binding and free of elastic, as well as socks with heavier padding at the heel and ball of foot, providing
added cushioning to absorb some of the impact between foot and ground.

7. SEE A PROFESSIONAL
Trust your fitter at Comfort Plus. Their licensed pedorthists get the same commission no matter what size they fit you in. Based on their decades of experience, they fit you in what they think is best for your foot, using advanced technology to help assess what you need, and in many cases, create a customized fit. Stop in to browse their selection or talk with one of their experienced professionals, or give them a call at 913-451-4494.

Every month, the editors at City Health & Wellness Magazine provide us with a list of national Kansas health topics that are being observed that month. May, for example, is national Physical fitness & sports Month, national high Blood Pressure education Month and correct Posture Month, to name just a few.  While reading through these topics, I was struck by how many relate to taking care of your feet.

By now, you might be familiar with our saying, “When your feet hurt, your whole body hurts.” A more positive way of saying that might be: “When you get the right pair of shoes, you’re taking a step toward better health in all areas of your life.” This month, I’d like to review some of the basics of finding the right shoes to support you in your daily exercises and activities.

FINDING THE RIGHT FIT
Finding properly fitting shoes is more involved than just stepping on a size chart or asking for the same size that you have always worn before. As we age, our feet change and become wider, and shoes in the closet that once fit are now very tight. Shoes that are too small (or too big) can cause blisters or calluses that would be preventable with a better fit. The shoe professionals and licensed pedorthists at Comfort Plus Shoes and Footcare in Leawood use advanced technology and decades of experience to assess what each person needs. When fitting customers, Comfort Plus utilizes iStep, a patented digital foot scanning system that analyzes your feet and determines pressure points to create a foot “map.” The map can then be used to help fit a shoe perfectly suited to the wearer, resulting in one-of-a-kind comfort, support and protection from injury.

SWITCHING OUT YOUR EXERCISE SHOES
Getting exercise is a great way to improve your circulation and maintain a healthy body weight. Keeping up your walking regimen can be challenging enough on its own, so you’ll want to make sure you aren’t making it any harder by wearing ill-fitting or worn-out shoes. Comfort Plus recommends that you change your exercise shoes every 500 miles, or about every six months to a year. A shoe is normally well worn out by the time the wear is noticeable on the outsole or tread. Routinely replacing your exercise shoes can be an investment, but it will save you a considerable amount of money and pain in the long run as you avoid the wear-and-tear injuries of exercising on worn-out shoes.

SOCKS ARE IMPORTANT, TOO
Finding the right hosiery is important as well. Your heart works hard to pump blood throughout your body, and one of the furthest places it has to travel is your feet, so you won’t want to restrict it with a binding sock. If your sock leaves an indention on your calf, you probably need something new. Comfort Plus carries socks that are seamless, non-binding and free of elastic, as well as socks
with significantly heavier padding at the heel and ball of foot, providing added cushioning to absorb some of the impact between foot and ground.

ORTHOTICS AND DIABETES SPECIALISTS
Finding proper footwear is especially important for people with Diabetes, who may be dealing with neuropathy, vascular disease, or other complications. Wearing the right shoes prevents Diabetes patients from experiencing pain or injury related to poor circulation, while also helping take the pressure off any sores or ulcers that may have developed.

The licensed pedorthists at Comfort Plus Shoes and Footcare have decades of experience in helping Diabetes patients find the right footwear and orthotics that fit their prescription. Comfort Plus Shoes and Footcare is located at 11715 Roe Avenue in the Camelot Court shopping center. Stop by to browse their selection or talk to one of their experienced professionals, or give them a call at (913) 451-4494.

Whether it’s BMW convertibles or Krups coffee grinders, German-made products have a reputation for outstanding quality and craftsmanship. But one of their most impressive exports might be Finn Comfort, a line of footwear that includes walking shoes, dress shoes and sandals.

UNDERSTATED SOPHISTICATION
Meticulously handcrafted in Germany since 1945, Finn Comfort shoes have a classic look, with various shades of smooth or textured leather all held together by handstitched seams. The anatomical, rounded toe box traces the shape of a foot, giving the shoe a natural, subtly European feel. Rather than being flashy, Finn Comfort projects an understated sophistication.

SIGNATURE INNOVATIONS
One of Finn Comfort’s signature innovations is the resilient cork, latex, and suede-covered footbed — an actual orthotic device that can be customized for each wearer to maximize comfort and support. The design also includes a flexible toe cap (to eliminate pressure points), a curved heel with a padded topline (to eliminate pressure and rubbing), and a polyurethane outsole that’s
highly shock-absorbent and gentle on joints.

ENCOURAGE PROPER POSTURE, BONE HEALTH AND REDUCED BACK PAIN
In the words of my friend Chris, “These shoes make me feel like an adult.” Chris says he values the way Finn Comfort shoes encourage proper posture and bone health. As a carpenter and tile setter, he spends most days on his feet and benefits from the reduction in back pain he’s felt since he began wearing Finns. “I also appreciate that on my honeymoon in San Francisco, I was able to walk up and down hills for seven days without my feet or back being sore, and without any trouble from shin splints,” he says.

EXPERTS IN PROPER SHOE FIT
As with any health shoe, being properly fitted by a knowledgeable footcare specialist is an important part of the process. When I purchased my first pair of Finn Comfort shoes in 2006, the staff at Comfort Plus enhanced the medial and metatarsal arches for me. Several months later, they modified the orthotic footbed to fit my wear pattern. “We can tell a great deal based on the wear pattern on the footbed — where excess pressure is being placed, and where more arch support could transfer weight and pressure to where the foot is naturally inclined to carry it,” says Matthew, an associate at Comfort Plus. Customizations that can be made to the shoes include adjustment of the arch height, increased arch support, added medial/lateral posting in the heel or forefront, an adjustment of the cushioning in the forefoot or heel spur dispersion, or a cushioned or leather top cover. All of these modifications can be done on site.

If you’d like to try a pair of Finn Comfort shoes out for yourself, pay a visit to Comfort Plus Shoes & Footcare in the Camelot Court Shopping Center at 11715 Roe. You won’t regret it, and neither will your feet.

Every year around spring break, I pick up a new pair of cheap flip-flops in anticipation of warmer temperatures. By the time the pool opens or the trip to the beach arrives, however, one of the straps has already broken or my plantar fasciitis has flared up. If the sandals do survive that long, most of the cushioning is worn out and I might as well be walking on concrete. Fortunately, when it comes to sandals, there is a better way. After visiting with the staff at Comfort Plus Shoes & Footcare in Leawood, I learned about half a dozen different companies that make high-quality sandals designed to provide tons of comfort and ample support, as well as style. These sandals give me the barefoot freedom I crave while also providing proper arch support.

THE EXERCISE SANDAL
The staff at Comfort Plus believes in the science behind the “exercise sandal.” Exercise sandals usually contain a raised toe crest and contoured sole to promote healthy feet. Sandal styles worn
without a back-strap encourage the wearer to use their toes to naturally grip and flex while walking. Toe-gripping facilitates muscle growth and can be especially beneficial to anyone who might have been wearing tight, constrictive shoes during the workday or through the colder months.

FREE PEDIGRAPH READING AND FOOTBED CUSTOMIZATION OFFER RIGHT FIT
Many of these sandals feature a cork footbed, allowing the shoe to naturally take the shape of the wearer’s feet over time. The shoe professionals at Comfort Plus will use their inhouse technology as well, including a pedigraph reading and footbed customization, to make sure you get the right fit every time.

FINN COMFORT
One popular brand is the Finnamic series by Finn Comfort, which are made in Germany. Finnamic sandals have a cork sole and often feature a backstrap, which can be better for tourists or anyone
planning to do an extended amount of walking. The women’s Finnamic Sausalito, for example, features a soft cork footbed that promotes good posture and proper foot function while cradling and guiding the feet from heel to toe.

MEMPHISTO
Mephisto, a brand of shoes made in France, also have a cork footbed that is heatmoldable to allow for greater adaptation to the wearer’s feet. Mephisto sandals feature a soft-air midsole that minimizes shock to the feet, creating greater protection, relief for joints and promoting better back health. These sandals come in many different designs and also include a midsole designed to enhance air circulation in the feet.

WOLKY
Wolky is a popular brand of sporty, funky shoes made in Holland. Wolky sandals come in a range of styles, from fashionable sandals with an elevated heel to those designed for walking. Most of them feature a back-strap and robust, contoured soles built for an active lifestyle.

BIRKENSTOCK
One of the most iconic sandal styles is the Arizona from Birkenstock. The Arizona features a classic two-strap look with no back-strap. The natural cork, heel cupping, and arch support make them a favorite for many. Birkenstocks are unique in that they have a flatter footbed and zero heel elevation, giving them a different feel than typical exercise sandals.

FITFLOP
FitFlop sandals combine the best of both worlds — the streamlined style, openness and lightness of a flip-flop with all the support, comfort and shape of fitness-promoting footwear. FitFlops have a wedge shape and feature a comfortable heel and an enhanced arch that reduces overpronation. FitFlop has made use of the latest technology to create pressure-reducing soles that have three
times the density of other sandals, resulting in increased foot-to-midsole contact and a cushioned heel strike.

NAOT
Last but not least, Naot sandals are a stylish, comfortable sandal made with natural cork and latex footbeds covered with suede, and Italian leather for the top sections. Naot has an interesting history, too, originating as a one-room workshop in 1942 and growing to become Israel’s top shoe manufacturer.

WALK A MILEIN A PAIR OF THESE!
So when it comes to shopping for sandals this year, I recommend forgoing the cheap flip-flops and checking out one of these brands instead. Chances are, once you walk a mile in a pair of these sandals – whether it’s along the beach on spring break or just through your living room – you’ll never look back. If any of these products sound like they might be beneficial to you, stop by Comfort Plus Shoes & Footcare to speak with one of their licensed foot professionals or call us at (913) 451-4494 to learn more.
 

If you’ve watched the NFL playoffs or other professional sporting events this year, you might have heard references to players wearing custom orthotics, or, in the case of Peyton Manning, taking special measures to reduce the impact of plantar fasciitis. But it’s not just pro athletes who need special treatment for their feet. There are a number of specialty shoes, socks and orthotic devices designed to treat specific foot conditions. You won’t find them at your average shoe store, but taking the extra steps to find the right footwear for you can help improve specific conditions and your overall foot health.

Here’s a quick overview of some of the most common kinds of specialized shoes and footwear:

EXTRA DEPTH SHOES
What they are: Whether your foot needs extra room to account for a foot irregularity or just to make space for custom orthotics, extra depth shoes can vastly improve support, comfort and relief for people with a variety of foot conditions. Extra depth shoes can contain as much as three times the depth of average shoes, and are available in widths up to 6E. Some of them may contain
extra shock-absorbing materials to lessen the impact on certain parts of the foot. In spite of the extra space they contain, many of them are designed to look like a normal shoe.
Who might benefit: People suffering from foot deformities, edema, hammer toes, crossover toes, and anyone who needs extra room for specialty inserts, custom orthotics and foot aids such as splints, toe separators, toe guards and bunion guards.

ROCKER BOTTOM SOLE SHOES
What they are: Rocker bottom sole shoes (or just “rocker bottom” shoes) are shaped similar to how they sound — with a thick, rounded heel and toe, resembling the gradual curve of a rocking
chair. These shoes are designed to be stable and balanced while standing, but allow one to “roll” through their stride without needing to put pressure on the toe.
Who might benefit: People with forefoot conditions such as hallux rigidus (lack of mobility in the great toe), metatarsalgia and Morton’s neuroma, both of which involve the thickening of tissue
around the nerve that leads to the toes.

HOUSE SHOES
What they are: While it’s tempting to go barefoot while at home, many people have foot conditions that require their feet to be protected and supported at all times. A good house shoe can range
from a slip-on shoe with a customized insole, to a shearling-lined slipper that keeps your feet warm and cozy. Try to find something with an outdoor sole, as these offer greater support and allow you to step outside if necessary.
Who might benefit: Patients with diabetic neuropathy (who might not be able to tell when something injures or irritates their feet), plantar fasciitis (who require the arch of their foot to be
supported at all times), metatarsalgia, Morton’s neuroma or other conditions that require a reduced impact on the heel and ball of their feet.

SPECIALTY SOCKS AND HOSIERY
What they are: The most common specialty socks are compression socks, which gently squeeze the leg in order to stimulate bloodflow to prevent swelling and the formation of blood clots. Another popular specialty sock are non-binding socks made without seams or elastic. While some people prefer socks made out of natural materials like wool or cotton, socks made out of synthetic materials may be much less irritating and more comfortable.
Who might benefit: Compression socks can benefit those with deep-vein thrombosis, edema, phlebitis, or anyone who will be inactive for long periods of time, such as a long plane trip. Nonbinding, seamless socks are ideal for patients with edema, neuropathy, or other conditions that may cause hypersensitivity in the feet or ankles. If any of these products sound like they might be

If any of these products sound like they might be beneficial to you, stop by Comfort Plus Shoes & Footcare to speak with one of their licensed foot professionals or call us at (913) 451-4494 to learnmore. As we always say — and as many people with foot conditions can testify — “When your feet hurt, your whole body hurts.”

Going barefoot is typically associated with being relaxed and carefree, either while moving around the house, sitting on the front porch, or frolicking on a sandy beach. But for diabetes patients who have experienced a loss of sensation or other changes in the feet as a result of peripheral neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease or other complications, going without shoes poses a surprising amount of risk.

The diminished sensation makes it harder to detect scrapes, calluses, burns from hot pavement or ulcers that, if unnoticed or left untreated, can result in serious complications. Even a small
scrape or a pebble can puncture the skin and cause serious infections, or even amputation. Of the 16 million Americans with diabetes, 25 percent will develop foot problems related to the
disease.

THE BENEFITS OF PROPERLY FIT SHOES
Fortunately, this frightening — and surprisingly common — scenario can be prevented in many cases by monitoring one’s health and by finding the proper footwear. Because neuropathy and
circulation problems can lead to changes in the size and shape of the feet, it’s important to find shoes that fit properly. Shoes that are too big or small can cause blisters or calluses that would
be preventable with a better fit. Finding shoes that fit properly keeps patients from experiencing pain or injury related to poor circulation, while also helping take the pressure off any sores or ulcers that may have developed. Those who think they might be developing foot conditions or discomfort related to diabetes should see their doctor as soon as possible to find the best treatment options.

IMPORTANT STEPS TO TAKE:
In addition to seeing your primary care physician, regularly visiting your podiatrist, and finding proper footwear on an annual basis, patients with diabetes are encouraged to take the following steps as well:
• Never go barefoot, as this might expose you to injury that you might not be able to feel.
• Check your shoes and shake them out before putting them on.
• Have your toenails trimmed each week.
• Keep your feet moisturized, and treat any calluses or corns.
• Maintain a healthy diet and cholesterol levels.
• Avoid smoking, and drink alcohol in moderation, depending on the advice of your doctor.

iSTEP TECHNOLOGY HELPS FIT SHOES PERFECTLY
The Certified Pedorthists at Comfort Plus Shoes and Footcare have decades of experience in helping diabetic patients find the right footwear and orthotics that fit their prescription. When fitting customers, Comfort Plus utilizes iStep, a patented digital foot scanning system that analyzes your feet and determines pressure points to create a foot “map.” The map can then be used to help fit a shoe perfectly suited to the wearer, resulting in oneof-a-kind comfort, support and protection from injury. Comfort Plus can also help diabetes patients identify what kind of benefits might be available to them through Medicare, with more information and forms available on their website, comfortPlusshoes.com.

YOUR EXPERTS IN FOOT CARE
To browse the selection or talk to one of their experienced professionals, visit Comfort Plus Shoes and Footcare at 11715 Roe Avenue near Hen House in the Camelot Court shopping center, or give them a call at (913) 451-4494. For more information about diabetes health, visit the American Diabetes Association online at diabetes.org.