Practical Summer Footwear Key in Foot Health

Summer is just around the corner; after a long winter and spring, sun and sand are in sight. As the weather warms up, many of us will put our shoes in the closet and pull out our favorite sandals and flip flops or even go barefoot.   While this can be fun and stylish, there may be some consequences if you are not careful.

Sandals cause the foot to be unstable when walking and can lead to various troublesome conditions, including heel pain. 

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain.  Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that extends from the heel to the toes. In this condition, the fascia first becomes irritated and then inflamed, resulting in heel pain.

It is especially common to see heel pain in the summer months when people are wearing sandals. Treatments may include stretching, anti-inflammatory medication, icing and proper shoe gear.  While over-the-counter inserts can provide some relief, custom-molded orthotics may be necessary in many cases. It is important to wear shoe gear that is suited to specific activities. 

Sandals are fine for the pool and beach, but if you are going to be walking or standing for long periods of time, a walking or running shoe is a better choice.  A sandal will not provide adequate support.

If your pain is persistent, it is important to be evaluated by a podiatrist..  Not all heel pain is plantar fasciitis.  Stress fractures in the heel bone can mimic plantar fasciitis.   X-rays can help distinguish between the two.  Surgical intervention can be avoided with prompt diagnosis and treatment.

 Sports, camps and other physical activities make summertime a good time to look at your child’s feet.  If your child’s feet are turning in or out, it may indicate that there may be something wrong with their development.  If their arches are flat or they are tripping often, they should be evaluated by a podiatrist.  It is not normal for your child to complain of pain in their legs and feet.  There is no such thing as “growing pains.”

There are many treatments available to improve your child’s feet.

Dr. Patrick McEneaney attended Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine and served his residency at Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs MC; Louis A. Weiss Memorial Hospital; Thorek Hospital & Medical Ctr, Podiatric Medicine.

Dr. McEneaney is practice with Dr. Jim Massaro at The Cary Grove Foot and Ankle Center is located in downtown Cary or you may visit them on the web at www.carygrovefootandankle.com.