Keeping feet fit

Freedom from snow doesn't mean time to ignore the toes.
By KAREN SHIDELER
MCCLATCHY NEWSPAPERS
Ahhh, summer, when our toes wiggle free. We show them off in fun flip-flops, sexy sandals, playful platforms and whimsical wedges. Ouch! Just turned an ankle, didn't you? Rubbed a blister on your big toe?
No, no, no, we're not going to say you shouldn't wear those fun summer shoes.
But (you knew that was coming, didn't you?) Naomi Shields, a Wichita, Kan., orthopedic surgeon who specializes in foot and ankle surgery, and Wichita Clinic podiatrist Joe Lickteig say there are some things you should be aware of.
FLIP-FLOPS
Potential hazards:
Dry, cracked heels because of the exposure to air.
Lack of support, especially for people with flat feet or other foot problems.
Injured toes, if something's dropped on them.
Sunburned feet.
Increased risk of foot infection in people with diabetes.
Reduce your risks:
Use sunscreen on the top of your foot.
Watch for irritation between toes.
Treat your heels to some extra attention.
Get flip-flops that fit; don't let toe or heel hang over the edge.
Look for shoes made of natural materials, such as leather, that have some give.
PLATFORMS
Potential hazards:
Sprains or broken ankles.
Extra pressure on the ball of your foot.
Tightened calf muscles.
Inflammation from the pressure, particularly under your second toe.
Can aggravate Morton's neuroma, an enlarged nerve between the third and fourth toes.
Reduce your risks:
Switch to a lower heel and stretch on a regular basis to keep calf muscles from shortening.
The thicker, stiffer sole actually can be more comfortable than a flexible shoe if you have arthritis or similar problems -- and are careful.
CROCS (AND IMITATORS)
Potential hazards:
Hmmmm -- they make your feet look bigger?
Not enough heel support for some people.
Reduce your risks:
Wear the strap around your heel, for more support.
WEDGE HEELS
Potential hazards:
The higher the wedge, the greater the chance of sprains or broken ankles.
Tightened calf muscles.
Extra pressure on the ball of your foot.
Inflammation from the pressure, particularly under your second toe.
Knee and back pain because the high wedges change your body's mechanical alignment.
Reduce your risks:
Stretch your calf muscles regularly.
Change your heel height regularly.
Select shoes with lower and wider heels when possible.
SPIKE AND STILETTO HEELS
Potential hazards:
The higher the heel, the greater the risk of sprains and broken ankles.
Increased pressure on the ball of your foot.
Changed body mechanics, with more load on your back.
Inflammation on the ball of your foot.
Reduce your risks:
Stretch your calf muscles regularly.
Change your heel height regularly.
Select shoes with lower and wider heels when possible.
TIPS FOR ANY SHOE
Look for a style with good support.
Match the shoe to the activity: Don't wear high wedge heels on a day when you'll do lots of walking.
If you're wearing skimpy shoes, don't forget sunscreen for the tops of your feet.
Don't buy a shoe if it isn't comfortable in the store.
Do keep feet neat-looking. Trim and polish nails, treat corns and calluses, moisturize.
Save nonsupportive shoes for dress-up.