Are You Doing Your Laces Up Properly?
This Article was originally published by The Ontario Society of Chiropodists.
Not all shoes are created equal and everyone’s feet are different. Specific lacing techniques can improve the fit of shoes to solve common problems.
Do your heels slip out of the shoe?
This can be due to narrow heels in wide shoes. One solution is to criss-cross the laces back and forth to create a tight fit. Some shoes have extra eyelets on either side of the top eyelets, these can be used.
Are you experiencing pain on the top of your feet?
This can be due to extra pressure from high arched feet. One solution is to thread the laces under the eyelets rather than criss-crossing back and forth. If these are absent then criss-cross the laces until the eyelet second from the top. Create a loop through the top eyelet with no cross over, and then use this as the last cross over creating a tight fit.
Are your toes feeling tender?
This is associated with over use. To decrease the pressure take one side of the laces and go side to side through each eyelet and place the other lace in the top eyelet on the opposite side.
Do you have wide feet?
Staggered eyelet holes work well for this condition. For narrow feet use only the outside eyelets and for wide feet use the inside eyelets, skipping a few of the others in the centre.
Do you have thick toenails?
Thick nails are usually difficult to cut and are often rough on the surface. A thick nail is created when the nail matrix (the area from which the nail grows) produces new layers of nail underneath making the top layer compound into a thick nail, which does not shed. Nails can become thicker with age or with damage. Injury or damage to the nail may cause the nail to grow deformed as well as thickened.
Tight shoes can damage the nail by applying constant pressure. Trauma from a direct injury can cause temporary or permanently thick nails depending on the site of the trauma. Systemic disease and some medications can cause thick nails. Any disruption in blood flow alters the availability of oxygen to the nail. The nail matrix cells that produce the nail require oxygen and nutrients from the blood for normal nail growth to occur. Once a nail grows thick it will always grow thick. The best way to treat a thick nail is to keep the thickness under control with regular maintenance and to wear proper shoes. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove the painful nail.
Did you know?
- To avoid slips, trips and broken hips, keep stairways well lit, free from clutter and consider installing a second hand rail. Do not hurry up or down the stairs or carry heavy loads.
- That regular use of cream can help to prevent calluses, broken skin and skin infections.
- That swelling in the legs and feet can indicate a serious condition. If swelling continues all day long and/or is associated with redness and pain, seek medical attention promptly.
Do you have problems finding shoes that are right for your unique foot shape? Book an appointment at the Foot and Health Clinic and have our foot specialist help you find the perfect pair.
- Are You Doing Your Laces Up Properly? - September 4, 2015
