Sugar Matters
May 14, 2010
“But I walk here in dese…” The right, and WRONG, shoes

Oh my, we saw lots of different kinds of shoes during our trip home. I am not talking only about the women here; so men don’t you relax this week because I am also including you in this!

We did see some very appropriate shoes on many people. What are those?{{more}}

Well fitted-the shoes fit without pinching, rubbing, squeezing or causing blisters. If your shoes do any of these things, they are too tight or just not well fitting.

Covered-Your shoes should hold those toes in. Cover your heels and not let any parts of your precious feet slip out between spaces in the shoe.

Well-padded on the sole-this is not absolutely necessary, but overall this makes it more comfortable and less likely to cause pain in both the foot (and knee and back) if there is some cushioning in the shoe.

We unfortunately did see some inappropriate shoes as well. One woman in particular comes to mind. I immediately noted that she was wearing shoes that were not good for her. They were beaten-up gunslingers, about a size too small so that her toes and heels were outside of the shoe. I asked her about another pair of shoes and she remarked that those were all she had. I asked more about her life in general and she told me that she lived in Spring Village. We spoke again about the shoes and she then said, “but I walk here in dese!” I won’t say which clinic we were in at the time, but I will say that she had walked A LONG WAY to get to clinic that day. I was very sad thinking that she walks all day, very far distances, in those shoes that give her so little protection. She unfortunately did not have much choice because of financial circumstances, but many of you do have a choice. And we saw many of you who can afford other types of shoes, walking in to clinic with gunslingers, tight shoes, and all kinds of very fancy but poorly fitting shoes.

PLEASE GO TO YOUR CLOSET AND MAKE SURE YOUR SHOES ARE WELL FITTING AND PROTECTIVE. GET RID OF ANY SHOES THAT HAVE A PIECE OF FABRIC (PLASTIC, LEATHER ETC) THAT GOES BETWEEN THE TOES.

Hey, I understand wanting cute shoes. I also understand that when it is hot the last thing you want to do is put on some closed-up shoes. You just want those feet to breathe, and in cute shoes too! But I beg you, please try to go for closed shoes if possible, well fitting, and if you want sandals keep them covering OVER the top of the foot without going anywhere between the toes.

Kudos to all of you who chose the right shoes and taking good care of those feet! They will thank you every day, believe me.

Until next week stay safe and healthy, Vincies!

Anita Ramsetty, MD endodocs@endocrinehelp.com
Medical Director Endocrine Care Group
www.endocrinehelp.com