Page 44 - April 2017 Life In Naplles Magazine

HEALTH & FITNESS DO YOUR FEET
A FAVOR

W hat do you do when it is time to buy new Though some of us started out this way, over

sneakers or walking shoes? Do you pick the the years of wearing of unsupported shoes
shoe because of its color, style or comfort? and not working all of the muscles of the
What should you be looking for exactly? What foot on varied terrain, we have lost some of
kind of feet do you have? When the foot hits the ground our support. Perhaps your shoe size may have
what happens? even increased over the years. This could be
Feet are very complicated structures. When the normal because the arch is dropped into what we call a
by Paula Allia foot hits the ground, it has to control motion and transfer pronated position. There are varying degrees of
PT, DHSc, MTC, OCS the weight of the body, adapting to the surface under the this and if not supported, the knee or hip may
foot. This means that the foot works differently on a hard have to compensate.
versus a soft giving surface and different still when walking Choosing the right shoe for you is pertinent.
on a treadmill. In addition, each joint in the leg has a job Many people that do not have any foot pain
to do in gait and if one joint is not working properly the don’t even think about the choices. The choice
others have to compensate. If you have a normal arch and tends to be more about fashion but it is time to
normal movement patterns your foot can do the work to be smart and become educated on the type of
propel you forward with efficiency. The problem is, many foot that you have. It is best to keep your feet
people by middle age have changes in their feet that can protected and supported and avoid developing
In choosing a cause more wear and tear and further adaptations. Specific foot issues. Abnormal pressures create callous
shoe, you need weaknesses and or tightness can cause an altered step and formation on the toes, back of the heel, and
stride which over time can cause breakdown. different areas on the bottom of the foot. If
to find out what Normally in a shoe or sneaker, when the foot first hits you already have foot problems then definitely
your normal arch the ground, the neuromuscular system of the body works treat your feet kindly to avoid the problems
is and how that at heel strike to control the foot in a stable position. The from getting worse. Wear proper support versus
muscle that isometrically controls the strike then works sandals when walking or exercising. Wear the
arch adapts in to decelerate the foot and allow the transfer of the body right shoe that guides the foot to properly
walking and/or weight from the back of the foot to the mid foot (arch transfer the weight during gait.
area). Ultimately weight then moves forward through In choosing a shoe, you need to find out
running. forefoot where push-off occurs and the foot leaves the what your normal arch is and how that arch

ground. If there is an altered arch position or other adapts in walking and/or running. Then you
abnormalities then compensations will occur. This will decide if you need a sneaker to support you as
lead to increased stresses that can cause future pain and 1) an over-pronator or 2) a supinator or if you
dysfunction. Sandals are common in good weather but tend to have a medium arch that adapts quite
they do not allow proper heel strike and alters the normal normally to what is expected as you transfer
gait pattern, especially if they are the open back type thus your weight. There are shoes to help provide
the transfer of weight in a sandal cannot depend upon a the control that you need and some brands have
stable heel position. even more control than others.
The position of the heel, the arch and the control If you wear an orthotic, then consider
through the midfoot and the forefoot together work wearing a neutral stability shoe. You would then
to control, decelerate and accelerate to propel you to slide your orthotic into the shoe to give the
your very next step. Depending upon the structures shoe your correctional needs. If you walk or run
Fitness Together of your foot, it is harder for some to perform stepping outside and on a treadmill, you should consider
335 14th Ave South in an energy efficient manner more than others. The having a different shoe for each. Shoes wear
Naples, FL 34102 ideal would be a medium arch with good supporting differently. Take care of your feet by choosing
239.263.9348 structures for each part of the foot so that the transfer the right shoe type for the right activity. For
FitnessTogether.com/Naples of weight occurs naturally and without the midfoot further information you may call Paula at
overcompensating by the arch area dropping excessively. 239.263.9348 or email paulaallia@mac.com.

44 Life in Naples | April 2017