Fitting Tip

Tips on Tuesday

When it comes to dropping some real cash on a pair of shoes...you want to be sure you get the best fit possible.  By now, you know to have you feet measured and work with a shoe-dog you trust.

But...could you do more to make sure you end up with a pair of shoes you love?

I suggest that once you have narrowed down the style,size and exact shoe you wish to purchase--ask the salesperson to bring out all the pairs they have in that size and model.  Each pair may feel just a tad different and you get to pick the pair that feels the best.  This is especially true with quality shoes that are hand lasted; like the Dansko Professional Clog. Whenever I buy a new pair of clogs I try on every size 39 Narrow the store carries.  Also, if you are a details person you may enjoy picking out the pair with the straightest stitching or richest coloration.

Happy Shoe Hunting,

abigail dagmar

Diabetic Nail Care

Tips on Tuesday

The constant theme with diabetic feet is careful proactive attention. Special attention does need to be paid to your toenails. In the first place, you must avoid letting your nails get too long as they can catch on things easily and potentially rip back from the toe. Ouch!!! Also, “gunk” can accumulate under the long nails that could cause fungus or infections. Keeping your toenails trimmed regularly also reduces the thickening of your nails and minimizes the chance of an ingrown nail.

Be sure to soak your feet in warm water before cutting your nails.

Cut the toenails straight across and smooth with a nail file.

Don't cut into the corners of your toes and be careful not to cut the surrounding skin.

If you have very thick toenails or have ANY difficulty seeing or reaching your nails you should have them trimmed by a podiatrist or at the very least ask a friend or family member help you.

In general, this advice is pertinent to everyone but especially so if you are diabetic.

 Happy Toenails,

abigail dagmar

Young Bunions

Tips On Tuesday

So you have bunions but are sure they were not caused by years of ill fitting, pointy-toed shoes and/or high-heeled shoes. Perhaps, you even noticed them in your early twenties and thought “what gives?!”

It is likely you came by these bunions honestly via genetics. Obviously, these bunions limit your footwear choices, you are careful to avoid shoes that fit too short and you avoid wearing heels for long periods of time. I must add two other proactive strategies to keep your young bunions from getting worse and grumpy: Mobility and Arch Support.

Mobility: Stiff, immobile bunions are the most painful. Be sure you keep that joint flexible daily. Roll the ball of your foot (the part that naturally bends as you walk) over a golf ball—gently at first, working toward a more vigorous daily massage. Throw in a round of yoga toes every evening—spread your toes as far apart as possible—without any assistance at first, then grab your big toe and move it around in every comfortable direction possible. Set a little wash cloth on the floor and grab it with your toes, drop and repeat. Of course, we all have busy lives but grumpy bunions can limit your abilities for a greater amount of time than it takes to add in these bunion-grief-saving activities. Of course, the treat of a foot massage will do wonders for those bunions as well:)

Arch Support: While avoiding high heels is a good plan beware of wearing flat-flat shoes that lack arch support, particularly if your feet/ankles tend to pronate (roll inward) as you walk. Lack of arch support and pronation add pressure to the bunion area. Adding even a moderate amount of arch support can take some of that pressure off your bunion which will slow the bunions' progression. Also, when you are standing around barefooted, make an effort to be aware of how your arches are behaving. Try to draw them up and keep your ankles from rolling in...this awareness will help improve your overall posture as well.

Lastly, try not to bemoan your bunions too much. Send positive vibes their way and be tickled that you have these feet that get you around.

Love and a Left Foot Bunion,

abigail dagmar

#1 Diabetic Foot Tip

Tips on Tuesdays

There are many concerns having to do with feet when you are diabetic.  The reduced blood flow/circulation in your feet minimizes your ability to have sensation and severely limits your bodies ability to heal even the most minor of foot injuries like a small cut or little abraision.

Soooo--The most important thing for you to do is be PROACTIVE AND EXAMINE YOUR FEET DAILY!!!

It is so important to look over your feet carefully.  Also, use a hand mirror to make sure you can clearly see the surface of your soles.  Catch any little thing early, add extra care and you will avoid a dealing with terrible infections or worse--amputation.  I am not usually prone to "scare tactics" but I have seen my share of sad diabetic foot cases that could have been easily avoided by simply taking a look at ones feet daily.

Remember...Maintenance is always cheaper and less painful than repair--in every facet of your life and certainly your feet!

Get a Grip on Smooth Leather Slip

Tips on Tuesdays

So, you have a beautifully made leather-lined pair of shoes. You slip your feet into them and walk across the room and notice that you are slipping around inside.

What gives?

You bought the right size!

Smooth leather lining has long been the mark of quality shoes but leaves a little to be desired when it comes to feeling secure in your shoes.

What to do?

If the shoes are barefoot friendly that should pretty much solve the problem because a 'lil sweat will help ya stick. If, however, the shoes require socks or you prefer to wear socks (which will extend the life of your shoes) I have a solution for you.

Candle Wax.

If you simply take a candle and rub it on the leather insole where your heel strikes and where the ball of your foot bends-- you will find that you no longer have the sensation of sliding around inside your shoe. The candle wax won't ruin your shoes or your socks unless you go overkill with the wax. Once you have worn the shoes a dozen or so times the lining will naturally become less slick. Thus, you may only need to apply the wax a few times.

Feel free to wax your leather insoles anytime or wax poetic if the mood strikes you...

Thanks for Stopping By,

abigail dagmar :)