Q&A

Dr. Michael Hames answers questions about foot health posed by Rachel McFarlin.


Does constant standing harm the foot?
Standing on the foot does not harm the foot, but over an extended period, any body part can have overuse injuries occur as a result from repetitive use. What is considered repetitive use? Working more than 12 hours a day for more then seven days.


Are there any exercises to prevent foot problems?
Just like carpal tunnel syndrome, the key to preventing problems in a limb is to take ergonomic breaks. For instance, if you’re standing in one position for long periods of time, try to walk around in place for a short period every 15-30 minutes to stretch the foot ligaments and tendons. This ergonomic break helps prevent fatigue. There are no other truly specific exercises that would prevent deformities such as bunions or hammertoes.


What are the most common foot complaints?
The most common foot complaints would be heel pain, ingrowns and

tendonitis.


Does wearing extremely high heels on a regular basis cause foot problems?
Wearing high heels on a regular basis definitely looks glamorous, but the consequences are back, thigh, calf and foot pain from the abnormal gait caused by them. They have a tendency to put the foot and body in a poor posture, thus increasing the physical demand on body parts causing increased potential for overuse injuries.


Do the flatter, less supportive shoes such as flip flops harm feet?
Flatter shoes such as flip flops and Crocs cause similar problems in the foot that high heels do. They provide no structural support in the arch, increasing potential for heel pain. For instance, walking on a sandy beach feels good at first, but after walking a mile or two on vacation, we see a lot of patients develop heel pain from fatigue. The same happens in flip flops and Crocs over a little longer period. This doesn’t even begin to discuss the lack of protection they afford the foot from blunt objects.


What is the best type of shoe for people who must work on their feet all day?
The best type of shoe would be a lace-up shoe with a back on it. No backless shoes (they increase muscular imbalance). One with a rubber sole and steel shank in the shoe is best. To assess a shoe, hold the heel and midportion of the shoe. You should not be able to bend the shoe if it has a steel shank. This provides extra support.


If you had one piece of advice to give concerning foot health, what would it be?
The best advice for all people regarding foot health would be use it or lose it, meaning frequent exercise helps maintain bone structure, increase or maintain circulation and prevent systemic disease processes such as diabetes.