Why Scrapes and Cuts Become Diabetic Ulcers: The Process

Written by Brittany Stuckless on June 10, 2024

Last updated July 26, 2024

Not fully understanding of diabetes complications and the importance of preventative diabetic foot care can be detrimental. Diabetic ulcers (sometimes called diabetic foot) often occur after the onset of diabetic neuropathy, which severely restricts sensation in the feet. Around 40-50% of diabetes patients develop neuropathy; people with type 1 diabetes may develop it years after their diagnosis, while those with type 2 can sometimes already have neuropathy in the pre-diabetes stage.

Today, we’ll explore how minor cuts and scrapes, combined with neuropathy, can lead to ulcers and progressively severe issues. But with solid diabetes awareness and preventative measures, serious complications can be easily avoided!

How Cuts and Scrapes Turn Into Diabetic Ulcers

Here are the five stages between a tiny wound and a full blown diabetic ulcer:

Stage 1: Initial Injury

A minor injury such as a cut or scrape occurs on the skin — anything from a small burn to stepping on a piece of glass. Foot conditions that open the skin’s barrier can also cause tiny wounds, like blisters, cracked heels, calluses and ingrown toenails. For individuals without diabetes, these usually heal without complications.

Stage 2: Diabetes Impairs Circulation and Wound Healing

Diabetes and diabetic neuropathy halts the wound healing process, especially if diabetes is uncontrolled. First, high blood sugar levels harm blood vessels and restrict the oxygen-rich blood flow our injuries need for repair. Neuropathy also causes a loss of sensation, meaning you may not even be aware of the cut or scrape.

Stage 3: Infection

The wound may become red, swollen, and warm, indicating infection. Pus or an unusual discharge might be present.

Stage 4: Chronic Wound

The cut or scrape evolves into a chronic wound, characterized by persistent inflammation and failure to heal after several weeks.

Stage 5: Diabetic Ulcer

An ulcer forms as an open red or pink sore that looks “punched out.” It may penetrate deeper layers of skin, extending to muscle or bone in severe cases. Tissue death (necrosis) can also occur, leading to blackened areas around the ulcer. Ulcers can lead to extensive tissue death (gangrene) and bone infections when ignored.

illustration depicting the stages of diabetic ulcer growth

What You Can Do to Prevent Diabetic Ulcers

Ulcers sound scary, but the good news is that being vigilant about your foot health can help keep your feet ulcer-free. Examine your feet at home every day, keep them clean, and wear protective orthopedic slippers while inside to protect your skin. Lastly, you should regularly visit your chiropodist for inspections and diabetic foot care if you have diabetes; ask them how frequently you should be coming in!

Prevent Diabetes Complications at Feet First Clinic!

Our Toronto foot clinic has the expertise and services for top-notch ulcer prevention care! If you think your cuts and scrapes can turn into a problem, don’t hesitate to reach out! Call us at (416) 769-3338 or book an appointment here!

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About Author: Brittany Stuckless

Brittany holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from Memorial University of Newfoundland. With a diverse background in journalism and marketing, she got her start as a freelance content writer. She currently works as a Marketing Assistant at Real Food for Real Kids in addition to her role as a writer at Feet First Clinic. Previously, Brittany has been a journalist for the Ontario Learning Development Foundation and Immigrant Muse magazine, and an Administrative and Marketing Assistant at Evolve Chiropractic and Physiotherapy. Originally from Newfoundland, she has lived in Toronto since 2014.

Learn more about Brittany Stuckless

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January 5, 2023

Best Medical Shoes 2023

What comes to mind when we think of the best "medical shoes?" Would they be shoes for doctors? Or shoes someone wears to overcome an injury? While both may technically be true, a medical shoe is simply a shoe that supports and accommodates the structure of your foot, which is a means of treating foot ailments. In other words, they go above and beyond what standard footwear can provide. The best medical shoes are more widely available than some people may think. Countless shoe brands focus on constructing the best shoe for your foot health. But it can be tough to know what shoe you need to address your unique foot concerns. Let's assess the best medical shoes of 2023 to better understand what footwear you may be missing out on! Best Medical Shoes 2023 Saucony Integrity Walker ASICS Gel-Nimbus APEX Lace Walker Anodyne Sport Double Depth ASICS Gel-Keyano Saucony Integrity Walker The reasons the Saucony Integrity Walker shines amongst footwear choices are twofold. This shoe can help with foot pain relief for everyday Torontonians, but it's also a great choice for nurses, doctors, and working students who spend Mondays to Fridays (and sometimes the weekends!) standing all day. Part of what makes this one of the best medical shoes is its ability to accommodate wide feet, and you can select options based on your foot width. You can choose from wide, extra wide, regular or narrow to ensure the perfect fit. This neutral walker also offers responsive cushioning for people who need to walk or stand for long days. Furthermore, the PWRRUN midsole gives the shoe a light and bouncy feel, as opposed to a clunkier shoe which can weigh you down. Lastly, this shoe has the stamp of approval from The American Podiatric Medical Association. Not all shoes come with the honour of being recognized as a highly beneficial product for maintaining foot health - so that's a plus! Saucony Integrity Walker ASICS Gel-Nimbus The Gel-Nimbus is a great medical shoe for neutral walkers or those with high arches who slightly underpronate. If you have a higher arch, this shoe can prevent and help you manage ankle strain, shin splints and plantar fasciitis. The newest version of the Nimbus is about 10% lighter than its predecessor, which keeps your steps light and springy. In terms of being a top-notch medical shoe, its advanced impact protection stands out and helps you land your steps without triggering muscle strain. This is thanks to ASICS' highly developed rearfoot and forefoot GEL® technology. Lastly, the FLYTEFOAM™ and FF BLAST+™ cushioning work together to protect your joints by creating a softer landing, more responsive toe-off, and lightweight impact absorption. After all, cushioning is more than just "padding"; Insufficient cushioning can make your feet too tired to continue throughout the day. ASICS Gel Nimbus APEX Lace Walker The APEX Lace Walker is an orthopedic shoe and a godsend for anyone with flat feet. This type of foot structure can cause you to overpronate while walking. Likewise, neglecting to buy the proper footwear for flat feet can put you at risk of developing bunions, bone spurs, and arthritis. The external heel counter in the APEX walker extends around the heel to the foot's arch. Then it works with the internal heel counter to provide excellent motion control and promote neutral steps. This gives people with flat feet a higher chance of successful and comfortable walking. If that isn't enough to make it one of the best medical shoes, doctors recommend the APEX Lace Walker for anyone who needs stability control and extra comfort. Apex Lace Walker Anodyne Sport Double Depth Anodyne makes shoes for people with diabetes, propelling them to superstar status in our discussion of the best medical shoes. Furthermore, this company's careful construction and focus on health makes Anodyne shoes an appropriate choice for those with other foot problems, not just diabetes. The Anodyne Sport Double Depth shoe comes with width options, but where it truly shines is in its depth. This gives even more room to accommodate those with debilitating foot conditions than other Anodyne options. Hailed as perfect for those with "difficult" feet, anyone with extremely swollen feet or who need to insert their custom orthotics into their shoes can use them. Furthermore, those with bunions and hammertoes should consider investing in the Anodyne Sport Double Depth, as those conditions are known for requiring extra depth in the toe box. Anodyne Double Depth Shoe ASICS Gel-Kayano While the Gel-Nimbus is designed for those with high arches who underpronate, the Gel-Keyano is great for people with low arches who overpronate. This shoe helps with rearfoot support by offering a low-profile external heel counter. The LITETRUSS™ stability feature in the midsole keeps your feet from rolling too far inward, which is the typical experience of overpronators. This is highly beneficial as overpronators are more at risk of putting strain on their muscles, tendons and ligaments, which makes them more injury-prone. Other features include the Rearfoot GEL® technology cushioning, which gives your shoes much needed shock absorption, and the OrthoLite™ X-55 sockliner takes comfort to new levels. ASICS Gel Keyano

July 14, 2022

Shoe Shopping Checklist

Who doesn't love shoe shopping? The changing seasons, modern styles and vibrant colours keep shoe lovers obsessed with finding the perfect new pair. People who struggle with foot pain and mobility issues also often dream of finding the ultra-comfortable shoe of their dreams. Shoe shopping should be fun! However, if you're not careful about what you're buying, you'll have to replace shoes much sooner than you'd like to. That's why we created a fun checklist for buying shoes. This checklist aims to make sure you find the perfect fit, whether you're looking for runners, trainers, work shoes, and more. Shoe Shopping Checklist: Know the purpose Know your physical needs Get the right fit Bring your socks Bring your orthotics or insoles Don't get too caught up in the aesthetics Do not ignore foot pain 1. Know the Purpose You should ask yourself the following questions while shoe shopping: What will I use these shoes for? How often will I wear these shoes? Will I need these shoes for walking and travelling between places? Will I be wearing these shoes inside or outside more? Keep this in mind when you look at shoes. We also recommend communicating this to whoever is helping you at the shoe store, so they can help point you in the right direction. Know Your Physical Needs Foot conditions If you have abnormal biomechanics, a debilitating foot condition, or a temporary injury, you'll need to put more thought into your shoe shopping than someone who doesn't. You may need something that boosts your mobility and reduces pain as much as possible, in which case, you should try orthopaedic shoes or models specifically designed for your foot concerns (i.e.: stability running shoes for flat feet and overpronation). Foot type You may be wondering what a "foot type" is. Essentially, it refers to the height of your foot arch. If you have flat feet or high arches, it will come into play when shoe shopping. When shopping for runners, people with flat feet should choose a stability shoe, whereas those with high arches fare better with a neutral shoe. A stability shoe supports the foot's arch and adds additional support in the midsole that help control the foot’s movement through the gait cycle. Stability shoes can be slightly heavier and stiffer than neutral shoes (although new and improving shoe technologies allow for lighter stability shoes that don’t feel restrictive). A neutral shoe can provide more freedom of movement, but may not contain features that target overpronation. According to WebMD, a flat arch will also require good sole, arch and heel support. Those with high arches should avoid stiff, flat and thin footwear. If you have high arches, you should also look for shoes with strong arch support (high arches still need this), a lot of cushioning, a supportive midsole, and room in the toe box, as high arches may make you more prone to toe conditions, like bunions and hammertoes. Gait patterns Your gait (walking pattern) can determine what type of shoes you need. People who overpronate (feet roll inward while walking) need a stability shoe, or in the case of severe overpronation, a motion control shoe (or high-stability shoe), which comes with additional stability features like heel cup support. Those who supinate while they walk (feet roll outward) need a neutral shoe. Get the Right Fit Did you know that the size of your feet can change over time? They can, and it's important to consider this during your shoe shopping adventures. Don't assume that you're still the same size you were before, especially if you haven't gone shoe shopping in a year or longer. First, make sure you try the size you think you are. Next, you can ask for the next size up or wide width if you notice a tight fit or you can feel the front of the shoe on your toes. Trying on shoes can take a while, especially if you need something to help manage pain and mobility concerns. So, it's important to not freak out if your feet have gone up a size. They can for many reasons, including: Weight gain Conditions that cause foot deformities, like bunions Pregnancy Aging (flattening and widening of the feet) Edema (foot swelling) To see if you have the right size shoe: Stand up and walk around: Your foot moves forward when you stand up and walk, so don’t make any decisions when you’re sitting down. See where your toes are relative to the end of the shoe: There should be about one finger’s width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. If the shoe feels too tight: Loosen the laces all the way down: Laces can have a huge impact on the fit and feel of the shoe, especially in shoes with a lot of cushioning. Go up in width – not size: This is a common misstep (pun intended) when shoe shopping. If the shoe fits lengthwise, but feels tight in width, going up a size isn't going to help. You'll just end up with a shoe that's too long, which can cause a whole slew of other issues. Instead, look for a wide version of the shoe. If there is no wide width available, you may need to look at a different shoe. Bring Your Socks Unless you're hunting for sandals or heels, bringing your socks during your shoe shopping trip can be advantageous. Wearing socks while trying on boots, booties, and runners can help you get a better feel for the shoe since you should regularly wear these types of footwear with socks. You can also bring socks with different thickness levels to see how the shoe fits with each type. Socks are also super protective! Wearing them can help you avoid contracting contagious foot conditions like athlete's foot. This condition doesn't just transfer from direct skin contact; you can also pick it up from contaminated surfaces and get it from someone who tried on a pair of shoes before you. If You Wear Insoles or Orthotics, Bring Them Some shoes come with a removable footbed, a highly sought after feature for people who wear custom orthotics or Superfeet insoles. If you need to wear your own inserts daily, you'll want a pair of shoes that can accommodate them. You should also make sure you bring your inserts to see how they fit and feel in the pair of shoes you want. Don't Get Too Caught Up in Aesthetics Running shoes and trainers can entrance you with fun, vibrant colours and cool features. However, it's important to consider everything else before focusing on how a shoe looks. First make sure a shoe can accommodate your needs, and then inquire about different colours after selecting something perfect for your feet. Once you find the right model, you can always order it in a different colour and pattern. Over the years, we've repeatedly seen how quickly comfort can overcome looks: you’re far more likely to regret a beautiful uncomfortable shoe than a super-comfortable shoe that maybe wasn’t your first pick initially. At the end of the day, if the shoe fits your needs (and your feet), you’ll wear it all the time regardless (comfort just makes the shoe looks better!) Do Not Ignore Pain If you start walking around the store and notice pain, make sure you don't go home with them; it will only worsen. Even the slightest inkling of pain or discomfort signifies that the shoes you're trying on are not the right fit. Don't think it's something that will go away once you "break them in."

July 25, 2024

What’s A Crossover Toe: Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Foot pain can be debilitating, affecting our ability to walk, exercise, and perform daily activities comfortably. One common foot condition that causes discomfort and requires attention is crossover toe. This blog post delves into crossover toe, its symptoms, and available treatment options. First off, we'll explain exactly what is a crossover toe. What is a crossover toe? Crossover toe, also known as floating toe or floating fifth toe, is a type of deformity in which the toe drifts out of its normal position and crosses over or under a neighbouring toe. The condition is also known as overlapping toe. The condition generally affects the fourth and fifth toes, leading to pain, swelling, and difficulty wearing shoes comfortably. However, any combination of toes may become an overlapping toe. Roughly 7% of adults—men and women equally — have overlapping toes of some sort. Symptoms of crossover toe Toe pain: Discomfort is often felt at the base of the affected toe, especially when walking or standing for long periods. Swelling and inflammation: The affected area may become swollen and inflamed due to the abnormal positioning of the toe. Uncomfortable shoe fit: Shoes may feel tight or uncomfortable, especially in the toe box area where the affected toe rubs against adjacent toes or the shoe itself. Visual appearance: The affected toe may appear to cross over or under the adjacent toe, giving it a visibly different appearance than the other toes. Corns: Corns will often form on top of crossover toes due to excessive friction and rubbing on the affected toes. Causes of crossover toe Crossover toe can develop due to several factors, including: Foot injuries: Joint and ligament damage caused by unhealed trauma and foot injuries can change the toes' alignment over time. Additionally, arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, can shift the alignment of your toes as it progresses and damages the joints. Foot structure: People with high arches or flat feet are prone to developing overlapping toes. Genetics: Overlapping toes may also be inherited. Many conditions that make one prone to developing an overlapping toe, like arthritis and Morton's toe, have genetic contributing factors. Improper footwear. Wearing shoes that are too short, too narrow or too tight can force the toes into an unnatural position and curl up, which will ultimately lead to the development of a crossover toe. Treatment options for crossover toe Footwear adjustments: Proper-fitting footwear is one of the most important ways to manage a crossover toe. Switching to shoes with a wider toe box can ease pressure on the affected toe and reduce discomfort. You should also make sure you have sufficient space at the end of your shoes (typically 1 cm) for your toes to properly splay. If shoes are too short, your toes will curl up. Many companies, like ASICS, APEX and Saucony, offer a wide-width options to give your feet the extra room it needs. Shoes with a mesh or soft upper are also recommended, as this will reduce pressure and friction on the top of the toes. Orthotics Custom orthotic inserts or pads can help support the arch and redistribute pressure across the foot. This can help promote proper toe alignment and reduce pressure on the crossover toes so that they don't get worse. Foot and Toe exercises: Performing specific exercises to strengthen the muscles and tendons around the toes can improve flexibility and prevent the condition from progressing. Splinting or taping: A foot specialist can tape the affected toe to encourage proper alignment and reduce pain. You can also buy a splint or toe spacer to help stabilize and align the toe. Corn and Callus Treatment: Since crossover toes are extremely prone to corns and calluses, it is very important to see a licensed chiropodist for routine foot care. A chiropodist can safely debride any corns and calluses on your crossover toe, which will reduce pain and irritation.

July 22, 2024

Hammertoes: Non-Surgical Solutions for Correcting Toe Deformities

Sometimes with aging feet comes the development of toe deformities, particularly hammertoes. Studies show that approximately half of women over 70 have some version of a toe deformity (but they can happen to anyone). Many assume correcting hammertoes always leads to a daunting surgery, but guess what? Surgery is not usually the first option and is generally only considered when the toe becomes rigid, or other complications arise. Read today’s article to discover the best non-surgical solutions for hammertoes and toe alignment techniques that achieve amazing results. Top Hammertoe Treatment Options Innovation in foot care and toe straightening methods have lead to plenty of non-surgical solutions for hammertoes and the pain they cause, including: Splinting, taping and bracing Custom orthotics and new footwear Shockwave therapy At-home exercises Other treatments Splinting, Taping and Bracing These non-invasive tools are great for dealing with toe curvature. All performed by a licensed Toronto chiropodist, splinting, taping and bracing helps straighten the toe, reduces friction and discomfort (corn development is common for people with hammertoes) and provides support and alignment. Custom Orthotics And Footwear Changes Custom orthotics are all about placing each part of your foot where it’s supposed to be, including toes. Wearing orthotics can properly align the joint in your toe and relax the burden on the affected tendons. Most importantly, they'll offset and redistribute pressure away from the toes. This will reduce strain on the hammertoes when you walk, which will help prevent them from getting worse. As for footwear, avoid high heels if you have any toe deformity; they’re notorious for making hammertoes worse. Wear wide shoes, maybe even orthopedic shoes, that allow your toe abnormalities to exist comfortably and reduce pain as much as possible. Most importantly, make sure your shoes fit: If your shoes are too short, your toes will curl, which will make your hammertoes worse. (In fact, ill-fitting footwear is a major contributing factor to hammertoes.) Shockwave Therapy It’s clear that when you have hammertoes, your joints and tendons take a hit. They stiffen up, become quite painful, and may even weaken your muscles over time. Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that may help treat your tendons and ligaments. At-Home Exercises Check out exercises and stretches that help treat the top of the foot to soothe your hammertoes and strengthen your feet and muscles in general. Many of these target the toes and surrounding area. Strengthening the muscles in your feet ensures that the toes and joints don't get overworked or strained when you walk, which helps manage hammertoes and provides hammertoe pain relief. Over-the-Counter Products Gel separators, toe spacers, pads, cushions and more can help you take control of your hammertoes without resorting to surgery. Call your local Toronto foot clinic to see what they have in stock!

July 18, 2024

Morton’s Toe: When Your Second Toe Is Longer Than Your Big Toe

Feet come in all shapes and sizes, and while many people have heard of common foot conditions like bunions or flat feet, there's another lesser-known but equally interesting foot characteristic called Morton's foot or Morton's toe. The condition occurs when the second toe is longer than the big toe, leading to potential biomechanical implications and foot-related issues. Let's delve into Morton's Foot, its potential effects on foot health, and how to manage it. What is Morton's foot/toe? Morton's Foot, also known as Morton's toe/foot or Greek foot, is a foot structure in which the second toe is longer than the big toe. The big toe is the longest in a typical foot, followed by the second toe. (Despite sharing the same name, Morton's neuroma and Morton's toe are not the same.) However, in individuals with Morton's foot, the second toe extends beyond the big toe, sometimes significantly. The condition is quite common. As many as 40%+ individuals have a longer second toe than a big toe. Potential biomechanical implications But here's the twist: while Morton's foot is generally considered a variation of normal foot anatomy rather than a medical condition, it can have some surprising biomechanical implications that affect gait and foot function. Let's explore these potential issues associated with Morton's foot. Added pressure on the second toe The longer second toe may bear more weight during walking or standing, leading to increased pressure and potential discomfort or pain in the ball of the foot, which may contribute to clawing of the toe and hammertoes. Gait changes Morton's foot can alter the distribution of weight and pressure across the foot, potentially affecting gait mechanics and posture. This may contribute to overpronation, increasing the risk of injuries such as plantar fasciitis, shin splints and bunions. Footwear challenges Finding the right footwear can be a real challenge for individuals with Morton's foot. Shoes often fail to comfortably accommodate the longer second toe, leading to issues such as rubbing, irritation, or the development of thickened or ingrown toenails, corns or calluses on the affected toe. How to manage Morton's foot While Morton's Foot may not require medical intervention, there are steps individuals can take to manage associated discomfort or mitigate potential issues proactively: Choose footwear wisely. Opt for shoes with a wide toe box to comfortably accommodate the longer second toe—Asics is a great choice for a roomier and wider toe box. Avoid narrow or pointed shoes that can squeeze or crowd the toes. Consider orthotic support. Custom orthotic inserts or insoles can offset pressure on the toes and support the foot. This can alleviate any discomfort associated with Morton's Foot and improve your overall foot mechanics. Foot-strengthening exercises. Engaging in exercises to strengthen the muscles of the foot and ankle can help improve stability and support, reducing the risk of overuse injuries or discomfort associated with Morton's foot. Regular foot care. Practicing good foot hygiene and monitoring for signs of irritation or injury can help prevent complications such as corns, calluses, or ingrown toenails on the longer second toe.

July 15, 2024

Aging Feet: Common Changes and How to Adapt

Just like the rest of your body, your feet change with age. There are many age-related foot conditions that can target anyone at any time, but are more likely to occur in our golden years. With proper care, foot health in older adults doesn’t have to be too challenging and your aging feet can step out in downtown Toronto with confidence (and more importantly, in comfort). Why Aging Feet Become Vulnerable Studies show that one of the reasons musculoskeletal foot conditions, toe deformities and ankle problems are more common in older adults aged 65-74 is due to ill-fitting footwear. Poorly fitted shoes not only wreak havoc on your feet, but if you’ve worn them for double the amount of years a younger adult has, then they’ve had more time to cause foot issues! The math speaks volumes and is one of the many reasons wearing good shoes from a young age is so important. A change in size and shape also signifies your feet are getting older. Your body’s ligaments and tendons lose their ability to “spring back” which causes fallen arches (flat feet). This also relates back to ill-fitting footwear; if you aren’t aware of your foot changes, you can wear shoes that are too small without realizing it. Your skin also becomes thinner when you get older, and your nails more brittle and fragile. Your toenails can also get thicker, but not in a healthy way. Their weakening can invite unwanted problems like fungal infections and skin conditions. Lastly, it's only natural for a little wear and tear to set in after years of walking on your feet - after all, we only get one pair! This can cause degradation in many of the 33 joints in the foot. Common Foot Ailments In Elderly People: Bunions Hammertoes Plantar fasciitis Osteoarthritis Gout Type 2 diabetes and diabetic neuropathy (commonly occurs after age 45) Calluses Corns Toenail fungus Elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis (a different type of RA than the one that targets younger adults) Foot Care Tips and Footwear For Seniors Managing foot problems and caring for aging feet is achievable when you do the following: Wear shoes that fit well! Many foot conditions feel better and more manageable when you wear orthopedic shoes, shoes for sensitive feet or the best shoes for seniors. Also, find shoes with the right level of shock absorption to protect your joints. Consider custom orthotics. Perform regular, low-impact exercises and stretches to keep your feet strong and flexible. Yoga and swimming is a great idea, but there are also exercises for arthritis. Keep your feet clean and moisturized. Get medical pedicures to maintain your nail health. Manage conditions like gout with proper dietary health and learn the role of nutrition in foot health. Try other products and medical devices like bunion pads, correctors, etc. Learn more about age-defying foot care.

July 8, 2024

Shock Absorption in Shoes: What is it and What you Need to Know

Shock absorption sounds like a superpower! But it’s actually a term describing how our shoes provide impact protection from the ground, floors and pavement. This benefits our foot health, but it also begins the upward “chain of command” of protecting the joints, bones and muscles in our knees, back and legs. Shock absorption in shoes typically involves innovative footwear technology and high-quality shoe design. Let’s review everything you need to know about this fascinating topic! The Science Behind Shock Absorption in Shoes You may be familiar with how cars have pump-like systems called shock absorbers, which dampen impulses from driving on the pavement. Your shoes are similar, but the physics are a little different! Shoes with a good amount of shock absorption may include the following components: Solid shoe cushioning in the insole, often made from gel, foam, etc. Midsoles made from comfortable and sometimes dense materials, like EVA foam. These midsoles are often able to compress and then return to their original shape during movement. Durable outsoles, made from materials like rubber. Extra heel cushioning for heel striking. These features work together to protect your feet from developing musculoskeletal foot conditions, which include but aren't limited to: Plantar fasciitis Heel spurs Metatarsalgia Different types of arthritis Achilles Tendonitis Think about it this way: nobody wants to walk a mile in flip flops! There would be virtually nothing in between the bottom of your foot and the ground’s surface, and you would feel fatigue, pain and overall discomfort afterwards. The longer you ignore foot support and shock absorption, the more wear and tear you will sustain! And this affects more than just your feet — your entire body feels the impact. The pain starts at the foundation, your feet, but it will trickle upward to other body parts (knees, back, etc) since your muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones are all connected to ensure our body moves efficiently and with stability. Who Needs Shock Absorption The Most? Athletes, especially runners, benefit from shock absorption. With each stride, they are hitting the pavement, trails and floors harder than anyone else. They need high-quality athletic footwear that retains most of its shock absorbing abilities after long-term use. But it’s not just all-star athletes. Everyday folks enjoying an outdoor walk in downtown Toronto; the longer the walk the more shock absorption you'll need. People with disabilities like severe arthritis or those with foot conditions like bunions or hammertoes, to name a few, should also be mindful of the grounds impact on the feet and body. A Final Note on Shock Absorption Shock absorption can be a balancing act. Sometimes “less is more" and you want to be careful of completely eliminating the “ground feel.” For example, overly cushioned shoes and a very elevated outsole might not be right for people with mobility challenges or those who need walking shoes instead of running shoes. Both can lead to instability and a heightened risk of sustaining a foot injury. Athletes should also be careful. Sometimes, too soft or too thick soles can affect sensory feedback and lead to a fall.

June 18, 2024

Comfortable Heels and Wedges for Wedding Season

Foot-friendly shoes and comfortable heels as wedding guest footwear? Who knew there could be such a thing! Say goodbye to the days where you have to switch shoes halfway through the wedding reception and say hello to stylish comfort shoes, pain-free heels and podiatrist-approved footwear. Today’s article will guide you towards discovering brands that make comfortable wedges and heels for when you want to attend an exciting summer wedding, but don’t want to deal with dreaded foot pain! Brands That Make Comfortable Wedding Season Footwear Check out some foot clinic recommendations for wedding guests, bridal parties and bridal shoes! These brands are available at Feet First Clinic - your favourite local Toronto one-stop-shop for all things foot health! Ara Ara combines the perfect fit with sleek style, making the ideal shoe. They have plenty of pumps, sandals, and other shoes with a short-to-moderate heel height that will help you maintain your balance and stability at the wedding, in addition to preventing nagging foot pain. They use the same comforting shoe technologies and materials as their walking shoes. NAOT NAOT is another ideal choice for comfortable heels and wedges. Whether you're walking down the aisle or dancing the night away, you'll find a good combination of fashion and comfort with their sandals, booties and other shoes. If you're more into fun shoe designs and prefer a short heel with minimal elevation, they might be a good choice for you. The NAOT Pixie might be a good choice for a wedding guest who wants a very short heel that still has some elevation. Clarks Clarks has always been innovative in shoemaking, introducing technologies that make you feel like you’re stepping on a cloud. This also applies to their chunky wedges, heeled sandals, boots, booties, and more — all perfect for summer weddings! Emphasizing proper fit and comfort with cushioned insoles and ergonomic designs and high-quality materials such as soft leathers, Clarks ensures that every pair minimizes foot pain as much as possible. Give our Toronto foot clinic a call for the most up-to-date shoes from Ara, NAOT and Clarks in stock! You can also stop by our Bloor West location for a shoe fitting. A Final Note on Heels and Wedding Season in 2024 It’s tough to find the right balance between high heels and foot health. We recommend avoiding them if you have certain foot conditions like severe bunions, hammertoes, joint pain caused by arthritis, amongst others. But then again, if you like heeled shoes, there should be a way to stay true to yourself, especially for a special occasion. Look for: Wide-toed shoes: Opt for heeled shoes with a wide and deep toe box. Low heels: Select heels that are no higher than 2 inches to reduce strain. Soft materials: Look for shoes made from soft, flexible materials like leather or suede that can stretch and conform to the foot shape. Cushioned and removable Insoles: Shoes with cushioned insoles can provide extra comfort. Removing them and inserting your own custom orthotics or insoles for your foot type is also a wise move. Remember: if your shoes exacerbate your condition, don’t wear them, even if you’ve followed these guidelines. Walking shoes and orthopedic shoes can look lovely at a wedding too! Many brides wear them to add a fun, casual spin to their wedding look. Check out this blog on balancing elegance with foot health for even more tips on selecting the right wedding shoes this summer.

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