‘But I walk here in dese…’— a blast from the past, talking foot care

This past week saw a return of our annual mission trip, but sadly I missed out this year (big sad face). I hope many of you turned out in droves for your check-ups and educational updates from the team. Until I touch base with them for the BIG UPDATE, I thought a blast from the past, a story from a prior mission, would get us going:

We are talking about shoes people, shoes.{{more}}

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

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 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.

Look, 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 are 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

Tel: 843-798-4227