The warm sunshine of summer is near and feet everywhere are happily stepping out into a variety of sandals and flip-flops. However, in Florida these types of footwear are a wardrobe staple year-round. Though they may seem carefree and harmless, the wrong pair of flip-flops can lead to a variety of issues including, but not limited to: blisters, tendinitis, sprained ankles, ligament injuries, plantar fasciitis, cuts, scrapes, and stubbed toes.

Despite their fun or trendy appearance, flip-flops are typically not healthy for your feet. Generally speaking, most flip-flops should not be worn exclusively throughout the day. Like most things in life, moderation is key!

The following American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) flip-flop “do’s” and “don’ts” can help keep you from falling victim to flip-flop related foot problems this summer:

• Do gently bend a flip-flop at the ends, ensuring it bends at the ball of the foot. Flip-flops of any kind should never fold completely in half.
• Do look for the APMA’s Seal of Acceptance on flip-flops. Many companies, such as FitFlop, Chaco, and Orthaheel, have certain flip-flops or sandals that have been awarded the APMA’s Seal of Acceptance for demonstrating proper support.
• Don't re-wear flip-flops year after year. Inspect older pairs for wear. If severe signs of wear are found, discard them.
• Don't wear flip-flops if you have diabetes, as the footwear leaves feet susceptible to cuts and scrapes that may lead to serious injury. Instead, opt for lightweight footwear that covers and protects the toes.

If you have questions regarding making healthy shoe decisions, request an appointmentwith the First Coast Foot & Ankle Clinicin Jacksonville today.

By Vimal A. Reddy DPM

People Magazine has announce Beyonce as its’ 2012 Most Beautiful Woman.  The Grammy winner joins a list shared by Nicole Kidman, Julia Roberts, and Jessica Pare of “Mad Men”. There’s no surprise the new mother to Blue Ivy Carter received this honor, as she’s always so well put together from head to toe. And with summer fast approaching in Jacksonville, FL, toes will become more visible as folks trade shoes for sandals… or just opt to go barefoot!  Unfortunately, far too many people keep their tootsies under cover due to toenail fungus.

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a dermatophyte fungal infection of the nail and one of the most common dermatologic disorders affecting the foot. The sometimes “ugly and embarrassing” toenail fungus can be ignored because the infection can be present for years causing no pain.  

Signs and symptoms of nail fungi are:

• Discolored nails; yellow streaks, white spots, brown or grey nail, etc.
• Brittle, broken, and thickened nail
• Soft and powdery nail surface
• Damaged, crumbly, nail surface
• Lifting of the leading edge of the nail
• Occasionally an odor - the condition is very tough to miss

In the past, the only medical treatment for fungal nails included:

• Topical medications: generally minimally effective or completely ineffective
• Oral agents (pills): potentially successful in treating the infection, have been known to affect the liver and/or kidneys if special care is not taken
• Surgical removal of the nail plate: painful and debilitating

Fortunately, modern medicine and the First Coast Foot and Ankle Clinic have an easy solution to treat nail fungus… the PinPointe FootLaser. This FDA approved, patented laser is specially designed to shine through your toenail and destroy the specific pathogens embedded in and under the toenail causing the infection.

About the PinPointe FootLaser:

• Does not effect healthy tissue
• Little to no discomfort associated with the treatment during or after (some patients report the sensation of heat on their toes during treatment)
• Will not harm or affect your activity in any way
• No age or health restrictions or limitations (Men, women diabetics and those who are pregnant can benefit from treatment)
• Only a licensed physician such as Dr. Reddy can administer the PinPointe FootLaser

If you or someone you know may be shy to show their toes due to potential toenail fungus request an appointment today. Imagine how much more enjoyable a day at the pool or Jacksonville Beach could be with a visit to the First Coast Foot and Ankle Clinic.

By Vimal A. Reddy DPM

Stop the presses!  Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are engaged!  And with wedding season well underway here on the First Coast, many of us will be slipping into strappy sandals, peep toe heels and cute flip-flops for upcoming nuptials in Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra Beach or St. Augustine Florida.  For the confidence to show off those toes with and pride… It’s trivia time!

Question:

What product was created by two board-certified podiatric physicians, has the ability to treat nail fungus and yellow nails without any harsh chemicals, is fully endorsed by the American Podiatric Medical Association(APMA), and can make you look like a million bucks???

Answer:  

Dr.'s REMEDY enriched, anti-fungal, non-toxic nail polish!

Commercial nail polishes are often formulated with Dibutyl Phthalate a/k/a DBP (banned throughout the European Union), toluene, and formaldehyde - each linked to a wide variety of health risks including, but not limited to, cancer, infertility, and birth defects. Why should looking good involve such extreme risks? With Dr.'s REMEDY polish, it doesn't have to!

Dr.'s REMEDY line of nail care products are formulated with non-toxic, natural ingredients that help - not hurt - your nails, such as:

• Tea Tree Oil:  Found to have antiseptic and antifungal effects
• Garlic Bulb Extract:  Contains a powerful antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral agent that helps kill harmful germs
• Vitamins C & E:  Improves the health of skin and nails
• Wheat Protein:  A vegetable-derived, high quality protein that contains moisture-binding capabilities and naturally increases shine

Dr.’s REMEDY polish is allergen friendly for those sensitive to ingredients in commercial nail polish. And it’s a vegan product!  Add these healthy benefits to a long-lasting coat of color (over 30 available) and you have a recipe for a great polish.

Don’t bother looking around the mall for Dr.’s REMEDY products. You can find them at First Coast Foot & Ankle Clinicin Jacksonville. If you have any questions or concerns about your foot, ankle or toenail needs request an appointment.

By Vimal A. Reddy DPM

Between Easter and Passover, many of us were dressed to impress recently.  When putting together such an outfit, choosing the correct pair of socks to wear will ensure not only comfort, but also optimum foot protection. Socks are not just a piece of foot "armor" acting as an additional barrier to the outside world, they are an essential element of complete, healthy footwear.  When it's decision time for socks, keep the following two major criteria in mind:

1. Climate: Weather indictates sock choice just as much as shoe choice

• In cooler temperatures and wet weather, thicker and well-insulated socks are recommended.
• In warm climate areas such as Jacksonville, lightweight socks with moisture-wicking technology are the better choice.

2. Activity:  Would the sock you wear to work be the one you wear to climb a mountain?

• To avoid heat build-up during high-impact activities such as running or fitness walking, choose a thinner sock with moisture-wicking capabilities.
• If shock absorption and cushioning is what you need, choose a sock made of thicker material such as micro-acrylic fabric or cotton.

While the idea of "technical socks" might sound a bit funny, there's no denying the big improvement they can make over your basic tube socks during certain activities.  One can now find socks made specifically for: "heavy" work, "light" work, sitting, walking, jogging, running, hiking, mountaineering, biking, skiing, snowboarding, sailing, scuba diving (yep, scuba diving!), aerobics, weightlifting, and the list goes on and on.  What's the difference between them?  It all comes down to these features...

Padding:  Look for padding on the heel and ball of the foot for cushioning and protection.  This extra padding can be a real foot-saver.

Arch reinforcements:  Some socks offer a tighter, reinforced weave in the arch to improve support. Without proper support, arches can develop arch pain or even plantar fasciitis. Keep in mind, though, that your shoe choice is the key factor for arch support.

Height:  In many cases, height is merely a personal preference. However, crew and quarter socks do offer abrasion protection from boot/shoe tops, so socks at least as tall as the tops are recommended.

Fit:  When you try on socks, pay attention to how they fit in the toe and the heel. Correct length is very important. If a sock       is too long, it will bunch up over your toes. If it's too short, the sock will slide down into the shoe and feel tight. For heavily padded socks, try them on with shoes to ensure everything fits comfortably together.

And last, but not least... for the sake of your feet (and fashion), regularly inspect your socks and discard outgrown, misshapen, or "holey" socks!

If your feet are suffering from the effects of a poor sock choice or any other reason, contact the First Coast Foot & Ankle Clinic today and make an appointment to meet with Dr. Reddy

By: Vimal Reddy DPM

Come see us at our booth for the 2012 Gate River Run, Runners Expo at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds!  We’re next to the Donna Deegan Marathon and Black Creek Outfitters.

Hours of Expo:

Thursday, March 10th           11:00 AM until 6:00 PM

Friday, March 11th                 11:00 AM until 8:00 PM

Saturday, March 12th             8:30 AM until 12:00 PM

“Like” us on our Facebook page and be entered to win a pair of custom orthotics valued at $450!

“Like” our Facebook page at the expo and get $3’s off BioFreeze, usually $15!

Also enter at our booth for a chance to win a iPod Nano!

The First Coast Foot and Ankle Clinic looks forward to seeing you there!  Come join the fun!

If you’re lucky enough to hold tickets to see the amazing Canadian Brass quintet perform at the Jacksonville, FL Jacoby Symphony Hall this weekend, you will need to find a nice outfit to wear… Complete with snazzy, properly fitting, supportive, shoes!  If you failed to catch the “properly fitting and supportive” part, you may fall victim to an ingrown toenail.

An ingrown toenail, also known as onychocryptosis or unguis incarnates, is a potentially painful, yet common condition of the toe. It occurs when a sharp corner of the toenail digs into the skin at the end or side(s) of the toe. Pain and/or discomfort and inflammation at the spot where the nail curls into the skin occur first. Increased sensitivity to pressure, even the weight of bed sheets, can induce pain as the nail further punctures the tissue. Later, the same area can begin to grow extra tissue, making removal of the excess nail more complex, and potentially a need to drain yellowish fluid.

The main cause of onychocryptosis is:

• Unsuitable footwear, including shoes with inadequate room in the “toe box”
• Tight stockings that apply top and or side pressures

Less frequently, ingrown toenails can result from:

• Damp atmosphere of enclosed shoes
• Genetics
• Trauma
• Other diseases

4 Facts about Ingrown toenails!

1. Ingrown toenails are common in adults but uncommon in children and infants
2. They are more common in men than in women
3. Young adults in their 20s or 30s are most at risk
4. Any toenail can become ingrown, but the condition is usually found in the big toe

How to know an ingrown toenail may be infected:

• Fever
• Lighter skin surrounded by red skin
• Worsening pain and swelling

If are experiencing any of these symptoms you have suffered long enough. Even if the ingrown toenail is only inflamed without infection, it’s important to schedule an appointment with Dr. Reddy at the First Coast Foot & Ankle Clinic to ensure the problem does not worsen.

Although it’s been much cooler this week on the First Coast, we’ve been seeing record high temperatures for these winter months in Jacksonville FL.  This leaves some of us wanting to slide into flip-flops, go to the beach or lounge by pools.  With many of us tempted to slip off our shoes and enjoy these public areas, precautions should be taken when considering going bare foot.  Not to make you a “worry wart” but here are a few things to consider.

Where are plantar warts?:The common wart is known as verruca vulgaris. Warts typically appear as small, single spots of thickened, scaly skin or in multiples clustered over larger areas. Clustered warts are referred to as mosaic warts. When found on the bottom of the foot, they are called plantar warts (verruca plantaris). The name "plantar" is derived from the location of the foot on which they are found; the bottom of the foot is called the plantar region. It is estimated that between 7-10% of the U.S. population is infected with plantar warts at any given time.

How to tell if you have a wart or a callus: Plantar warts often resemble plantar calluses. A simple way to differentiate between a wart and a callous is to lightly pinch the lesion between two fingers. If this causes pain, it is likely that the lesion is a wart. A callous is generally not painful when pinched but can be tender by pressing directly on the lesion. A podiatrist should examine any lesion found on the feet.

What causes warts: Warts are caused by an infection of the skin due to the human papillomavirus (HPV) as a result of direct contact with the virus. Caution must be taken since they are contagious and can spread to other parts of the body and to other people. They do not, however, spread through the bloodstream. They can be picked up rather easily in showers and around swimming pools. If an individual you live with has the infection, care should be taken to keep showers and tile flooring clean. Those who have plantar warts should not share shoes with other people. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Give someone special a box of chocolates or a dozen roses… not plantar warts!

How to treat or remove plantar warts:

• Chemical/medicinal treatment; salicylic acids
• Cryogenics
• Hyfrecation
• Laser treatment
• Needling
• Surgical removal via blunt dissection

If you or someone you know has any discomfort caused by a potential plantar wart or calluses, make an appointment today at the First Coast Foot and Ankle Clinic in our Jacksonville location. Dr. Reddy can help you determine which treatment plan is most appropriate… don’t try to remove them yourself as you may do more harm than good.

By Dr. Vimal Reddy

Hey, grown-ups! Children need regular checkups of their feet too!

On Sesame Street, Burt and Ernie, Big Bird, Elmo, Oscar the Grouch, Cookie Monster and more, help teach children their ABC’s and 123’s.  Dr. Vimal Reddy with the First Coast Foot and Ankle Clinic wants to help parents do the same thing with their kid’s feet.

Many foot problems develop at a young age. When caught early enough, severe problems can be prevented or at least minimized. At Jacksonville, FL based office Dr. Reddy can address the needs of children’s feet—including:

How to identify if there is a problem:

A.  Whoops…Ouch!: If your child complains of pain in the feet, knees, and ankles, or you notice regular tripping and falling, there     could be lower body alignment issues.

B.   New Shoes Too Soon?: If the "wear and tear" in your child’s shoes are uneven or excessive, your child may have an unusual gait or foot position.

C.  Carried Away: A child that insists on being carried more than normal may suffer from pain or difficulty walking.

To diagnose the issue Dr. Reddy will analyze walking patterns, choice of shoes, and muscle function, to determine if there is an inherited foot problem present.

A comprehensive "foot physical exam" should be performed:

1. As soon as a child is able to walk
2. At age 3 when the foot is more developed
3. When starting grade school
4. Before engaging in any kind of sports or physical activities.

If you or someone you know may have questions or concerns about their children’s feet, make an appointment to see Dr. Reddy at the First Coast Foot & Ankle Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida.

By Vimal Reddy D.P.M.

Lucky the Penguin wasn’t so lucky at birth.  He was born with a badly deformed foot, which made it difficult for him to swim and when walking develop sores, which would get infected. The zoo vet determined surgery would be too risky. Luckily for Lucky Teva, a local shoe company stepped forward and was able to engineer footwear to help Lucky function normally.

At the First Coast Foot and Ankle Clinic, Dr. Vimal Reddy sees this issue on a daily basis; but in humans, not penguins, of course. With diabetes a growing problem in Jacksonville FL, severe case can result in foot deformations called Charcot [shar-COH] neuroarthropathy or simply Charcot Foot. Like Lucky the Penguin, people with Charcot Foot have altered bone structure.  Walking will put stress on the foot in ways that can damage it, resulting in sores that can become infected. Like Lucky the Penguin, people with Charcot Foot are able to benefit enormously from custom shoes designed to distribute pressure across the foot.

For some, surgery could be the option to correct a foot deformity like Charcot but it’s no walk in the park. The procedure takes a great deal of metal fixators (plates, screws, pins, etc.) and the recovery period is long. For the right patient, it’s worth it if it can restore a patient’s ability to function normally.   Although surgery isn’t for everyone, patients like Lucky the Penguin will do just fine with their custom shoes.

If you have any questions or concerns for yourself of someone you love, please don’t hesitate to contact the First Coast Foot and Ankle Clinic to set up an appointment today.

By Vimal Reddy

Three of Jacksonville’s most promising young wide receivers at First Coast High School are potentially leading their team to a perfect season. What makes this so remarkable is two out of the three athletes have struggled with injuries this season. It’s always an inspiring story when athletes overcome a setbacks like an injury to put together a winning season. With proper rehabilitation managed by a podiatric physician such as Dr. Vimal Reddy, an injury does not have to mean the end of your days competing on the football field.

One receiver, Brandon Brooks suffered from a broken ankle. The most common injury in sports is the sprained ankle, which occurs when twisting or rolling your foot inwards. If you roll or twist your foot in the opposite direction, it will likely break.

The ankle joint consists of the:

• Talus (the ankle bone)
• Tibia (the shin bone)
• Fibula

The bony bumps you can feel at your ankle are actually the lowest parts of the tibia (inner) and fibula (outer). During ankle fractures, one or both of these bony bumps will break off. Dr. Reddy will first check the bone fragments for stability to see if they will heal on their own.

Ankle fractures almost always need surgery to heal.  Dr. Reddy would make a small cut over the broken bone and drill screws into the bone fragments so they stay connected.  After surgery, you will need to stay off your ankle for 3-4 weeks, followed by a few weeks in a walking cast and physical therapy to help regain your strength to get back on the field.

By Dr. Vimal Reddy

With the Holiday Season officially under way, ski trips are a great way to make the most of your time off during the wintery weather. While a snowy mountain may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Jacksonville, FL, getting away from the grey skies and misty rain to pristine white ski slopes can be a pleasant change of pace. For those of you who make regular trips, or if you just want to try skiing, Dr. Vimal Reddy offers these tips to make the most of your ski vacation.

1.     Keep your feet warm: Being out with ice cold feet can ruin your day. Make sure not to store boots outdoors overnight, making them frigid the next day.  Also, Invest in thermal socks they are worth the expense. By keeping your feet warm, not only will it be more comfortable, you lessen your risk for cold injuries such as chilblains or  frostbite.

2.     Wear properly fitting boots: Dr. Reddy recommends this for running shoes as well, but it is twice as important in skiing.  Due to the trauma that affects your feet on the bottoms, sides, tips of the toes and ankles, boots should be tight enough to cushion your feet, but not too tight as to bruise your toes or cut off circulation.

3.     Stretch out…Just like any other sport: If you limber up before skiing, you can improve your performance and lessen the chances of developing cramps. This article features some easy stretches to do before hitting the slopes.

4.     Know your skills and know your limits: While a ski vacation is enjoyable and unforgettable, don’t attempt a run that is beyond your level. An inexperienced skier might not be able to react to the twisting forces of the ground against the skis.  This could potentially lead to severe ankle sprains or worse. Enjoy the beauty of a crisp winter day while you relax on a run you can manage… don’t try and overdo it.

If you or anyone you know has more questions about winter and their feet, please contact the First Coast Foot and Ankle Clinic to make an appointment

By Dr. Vimal Reddy

Recently new strains of antibiotic-resistant infections have been popping up throughout Europe.  Due to the over-use and abuse of antibiotics, these bacteria have developed defenses against the drugs doctors utilize most to fight infections. Concerns of this “super bug” migrating across the Atlantic Ocean and potentially making its way to The First Coast are a little alarming.

So what does this have to do with podiatry in Jacksonville, FL? On a daily basis Dr. Vimal Reddy prescribes antibiotics to:

Treat infections from diabetic ulcers

Prevent infection after surgery on painful:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes or
• Neuromas

The emergence of this “super bug” would require an entirely different approach to treating and preventing infections in the future. The good news for now is these antibiotic-resistant bacteria are not the usual bugs encountered at the First Coast Foot and Ankle Clinic. If you have any questions or concerns, please request an appointment to speak with Dr. Reddy.

By Dr. Vimal Reddy

The APMA recently described the U.S. Hispanic population as being at the center of a “perfect storm” for diabetes diagnoses. Contributors of type 2 diabetes include:

1. Genetics
2. Poor diet
3. Lack of exercise

Unfortunately Hispanics are at risk for all three, making them 66% more likely than non-Hispanic whites of becoming a diabetic. This news is especially important in Florida, where Hispanics are nearly one quarter of the population.

Regardless of one’s racial makeup, the good news is that knocking your socks off may be the answer!  The APMA campaign encourages those with diabetes to take the first step to avoid some of the most serious difficulties of diabetes: Get an annual foot exam from a podiatrist. By checking in with Dr. Vimal Reddy at least once a year, he will be able to examine your feet and watch for complications.  Some of the complications that can be prevented include:

• Nerve damage (neuropathy)
• Calluses
• Foot Ulcers
• Amputation

If every at risk individual had an annual foot exam, it could save the U.S. an estimated $3.5 billion each year—and it could save your foot.  There’s no better time than NOW to make an appointment with Dr. Reddy at the First Coast Foot & Ankle Clinic in Jacksonville, FL for your yearly diabetic foot evaluation.

By Dr. Vimal Reddy

Do you wake up in the morning feeling pain in your heels? If so, there is a good possibility you are suffering from plantar fasciitis - inflammation of an important supporting ligament (the plantar fascia)on the bottom of the foot. 90% of people at one point or another in their lives will be affected by this condition.  In many cases, the pain goes away on its own. These exercises will help speed the process up:

1. Stretching: Your foot is an arch supported by several ligaments, including the plantar fascia. By stretching it out, it is loosened and strengthened. A good exercise is to sit on the floor with your legs forward and knees straight. Wrap a towel around the ball of your foot, and pull back for 30 seconds, and then repeat for another 30 seconds. This will not only stretch your plantar fascia, but also your calf muscles and Achilles tendon. This muscle group actually wraps around the heel bone and is continuous with the plantar fascia, so by stretching this muscle, you will relieve plantar fascia pain!
2. “ABC”…Draw the alphabet with your toes: On the bottom of your foot are 4 layers of tiny muscles, which contribute to stabilizing the foot when you walk. By making fine movements with your toes, you will strengthen these muscles that help support the arch, so the plantar fascia won’t need to do so much work.
3. Toe crunches: Just like drawing the alphabet, this also will strengthen the small muscles of the foot that underlie the plantar fascia.

These exercises can be done before going to bed at night or when you wake up in the morning. If all goes well, the exercises should minimize your pain. However, Dr. Vimal Reddy warns that not all heel pain is plantar fasciitis. Furthermore, it can be a symptom of a bigger problem. If your pain does not improve or gets worse after two weeks, request an appointment with Dr. Reddy at the First Coast Foot & Ankle Clinic in Jacksonville, FL to see if a more advanced treatment will help.

By Dr. Vimal Reddy

Whether you are a weekend warrior suffering from irritated tendons or the Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams suffering from plantar fasciitis, the First Coast Foot and Ankle Clinic may have your solution. Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Treatment (EPAT) is a new therapy able to help people with inflamed and irritated tendons. The best part... No surgery required!  Other treatments effective in taking care of such aches and pains are:

• Custom orthotics
• Physical therapy
•  Stretching
• and the dreaded…cortisone injections

EPAT is the most advanced and highly effective, non-invasive, treatment method approved by the FDA. The word extracorporeal means the entire treatment takes place from outside of the body—no knife required. It then transmits shockwaves through the tissue to the area of injury causing micro-trauma. This will stimulate blood flow to the area and insure the injured tendon receives the nutrients it needs to heal. Because EPAT works by causing small, localized areas of inflammation, avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and so on. The benefits include:

• Cost effective
• Patients are immediately fully weight bearing
• Bilateral patients can be treated at the same time
• Returning to your work/normal routine within 24-48 hours after the procedure

The procedure itself is performed in our Jacksonville, FL office and takes less then half an hour. While it is not painless, patients usually are not in extreme discomfort. Dr. Reddy will anaesthetize the area to minimize any pain.  The expected results are often experienced after only 3 treatments at weekly intervals but may take up to four weeks for pain relief to begin.  The overall goal is to achieve maximum healing in minimum time.

By Dr. Vimal Reddy

Do you have burning, tingling pain in the ball of your foot? If so, it is possible you have neuroma.  Neuroma is when nerves on the bottom of the foot become overgrown. When you step down on the foot, the bones press on the swollen nerve, causing the waves of burning, tingling, pain.  Neuromas occur commonly in the ball of the foot between the third and fourth toes. This special case is referred to as Morton’s neuroma.

Dr. Reddy at First Coast Foot and Ankle Clinic has many different treatment options available for this problem:

• Fabricate and apply padding to the foot to prevent the bones from squeezing the nerve.
• Orthotics
• Cortisone injections - this will reduce the inflammation.
• Alcohol injections - if the above measures don’t work, this will destroy the bothersome nerve (neurolysis). Not 100% effective, though.
• Surgery - to cut out the nerve manually, in severe cases.
• Cryogenic neuroablation - a relatively new procedure with similar results to surgery but fewer complications and high patient satisfaction. Instead of destroying the nerve with chemicals, it is frozen.

High-heeled shoes aggravate neuromas. The toe box of a high-heeled shoe is usually tight, forcing all your weight down onto the ball of your foot. These two factors contribute to the swelling and irritation.  So ladies the next time you’re running aorund your office or in downtown Jacksonville with your girlfriends for a night out, if you start to feel a burning, tingling pain in your feeet you may want to consider different footwear.

By Dr. Vimal Reddy

Last night you may have been entertained by the fancy footwork of wrestlers such as John Cena, Randy Orton, Triple H and The Undertaker while watching WWE Wrestlemania 27.  Or perhaps you were engaged in the Country Music Awards admiring the couture of your favorite country music stars and taking pleasure in Steven Tyler and Carrie Underwood’s performance of “Walk This Way”.  When it comes to walking into a wrestling ring or strutting your stuff on a stage, many problems can arise in the foot as a result of not wearing the right shoes.  Today I would like to dispel a few myths about shoe sizing to help you find the right fit for your foot.

1. You don’t have a shoe size! – You have a foot size. Your foot size is measured in a Brannock device (pictured above).  In a perfect world, your shoe size and foot size would be a perfect match.  Unfortunately, in reality there are differences between brands and the only way to know which shoe fits best is to try them on! 

2. Sizing shoes: Most clerks at shoe stores will measure your heel-to-toe length. While this is important for making your toes comfortable, the more important measure is your heel-to-ball length. You can measure your heel-to-ball length by using the pointer that slides along the side of your foot on the Brannock device.  Your foot size will be the larger of the heel-to-toe and heel-to-toe sizes. Dr. Reddy can give you a proper and accurate measurement at the First Coast Foot and Ankle Clinic.

The heel-to-ball measurement is important because your foot bends the most at the ball of your foot. When trying on a shoe:

• Bend the shoe as if you were pushing the toes upward
• Make sure the shoe bends around the same place as the ball bends
• Lastly, if the shoe bends in a way that your foot does not then it won’t give you the support you need!

3. Size is just a number: Some patients are self-conscious if their feet measure larger then they would like. Just remember the feet you are born with are the only ones you will have.  So if you’re running around your office in Downtown Jacksonville, or taking a stroll by the St. Johns River, be happy, be comfortable, and wear a shoe that fits!

By Dr. Vimal Reddy