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If
you’re going to celebrate this
Valentine’s Day in style and
scour the shopping centers on
Presidents’ Day, take note that
much of American men and women
are paying more attention and
giving more affection to their
FEET these days. Many are
heading for foot massages and
pedicures on this classic
holiday of love for themselves
or others.
Although a recent American
Podiatric Medical Association
(APMA) survey revealed 84
percent of women are embarrassed
about the way their feet look,
nine in ten women say they show
their feet love by moisturizing
them at least once a month. For
those searching for moisturizers
and other products to take care
of their tootsies this
Valentine’s, APMA’s Seal program
is a great resource. The program
recognizes products that set the
benchmark for the footwear (Seal
of Acceptance) and foot care
(Seal of Approval) industries.
Here are some tips for
treating your feet like royalty
on Valentine’s Day, along with a
few recommended APMA ‘Seal’
products (For a full listing of
products that currently hold
APMA’s Seal, visit www.apma.org/seal): |
-
Massage. With
either you or a partner
cupping your foot, gently
roll the ankles. Stretch and
rub calves and arches with
the thumbs to help relieve
stiffness and tension.
-
Exfoliate. Remove
dry skin on heels and toes
without using harsh
chemicals or dangerous
blades with the Artimis
Woman Heel Smoother Pro.
-
Pamper with a
pedicure. If your
partner wants to give you an
at-home pedicure, make sure
proper safety precautions
are taken, including using a
non-acetone nail polish
remover and rubber cuticle
pusher to gently push back
cuticles, as well as
trimming toenails straight
across.
-
Moisturize.
Soothe cracked, dry heels by
regularly applying a lotion
that retains moisture, such
as Amlactin’s Foot Cream
Therapy Moisturizing Lotion
with alpha- hydroxy.
-
Protect. Protect
your feet with comfortable
socks that reduce rubbing
and irritation between the
toes and on heels such as
Crescent Inc.’s “World’s
Softest Sock” Sensitive Feet
Collection. The socks
densely cushioned, acrylic
foot beds also help to keep
feet dry and comfortable,
inhibiting blisters and hot
spots.
-
Exercise. Point
and squeeze toe muscles to
stave off foot cramps and
swelling.
-
Watch heel height.
If you’re planning a
romantic night out on the
town, wear high heels that
are less than two inches in
height. Bring a pair of
walking shoes if you plan to
travel by foot to and from
your destination to decrease
the risk of injury.
PPMA’s own Past Presidents and
Current President offer
additional comments on taking
care of your feet this February
and the rest of the year.
PPMA Past President (2007)
Edwin Hart, III, DPM, says
to walk a mile in former
President Abraham Lincoln’s
(16th) shoes if you suffer with
terrible foot pain and see a
podiatrist. Lincoln was the
first U.S. President to be
treated by a chiropodist
(previous name for podiatrist).
Apparently President Lincoln had
troublesome feet and didn’t take
it quietly. He chose Isachar
Zacharie, an English-born
chiropodist to treat and operate
on his feet. This podiatric
physician even went on private
missions for President Lincoln
during the Civil War.
Dr. Hart’s says his favorite
foot creams are Miracle Foot
Repair® and prescription-only
Kerol® for harder, callused
skin. He also says to stretch
before and after every activity
you do, whether exercising or
taking long walks.
PPMA Past President (2008)
John Fawcett, DPM, says as a
rule our skin gets dryer as we
age and as far as moisturizing
your feet or a loved ones goes,
he recommends Eucerin®, a good
over- the-counter cream,
especially for extra dry skin or
Xerosis. He also mentions that
the best time to apply creams is
before you go to bed. “By the
way, if you’ve reached the point
where your skin is cracked,
bleeding, or sore, you need to
see a podiatrist immediately,”
Dr. Fawcett cautions.
He also cautions about heels
beyond the two-inch mark and
explains that “high heels
generate an unusual position for
our feet,” a function that isn’t
natural. But he realizes the
attraction and the pleasure high
heels hold for females. “My wife
feels she’s not dressed up until
she has her heels on!” he says.
Dr. Fawcett offers this
compromise--not to overdo it
because “consistent use of high
heels over time will lead to
permanent deformity.” High heels
can be credited for many
sprained ankles in most
podiatric offices.
PPMA’s Current President
Kevin Naugle, DPM, says,
“People should moisturize daily,
especially after bathing.
Moisturizer should not be
applied between toes. If a
person has dry and cracked skin,
then at least twice a day
application is advised. Seasonal
winter dry heat can cause dry
skin along with certain
medications, soaps, metabolic,
and circulatory conditions. In
these cases, twice a day
application would be
recommended.”
Commenting about what height is
best for heels, “Any heel higher
than two inches dramatically
increases the pressure force
onto the metatarsals and toes.
If greater than two inches is
absolutely necessary for the
outfit, then make sure they are
worn for activities that do not
require much standing or
walking. They should also have
padding in the metatarsal region
and a wider toe box, if
possible.”
To search for a podiatric
physician in your area, click
here “Find
a Podiatrist.” Comments are
encouraged on how this article
was helpful and can be sent to
susan@ppma.org. |
