Feet

For Olympic Athletes, The Feet Make All The Difference

We know that Michael Phelps has a body  that makes him especially suited for excelling at swimming. 

But did you know this?...

In addition to the long torso, amazing wingspan, and double-jointed body, “his size 14 feet reportedly bend 15 degrees further at the ankle than most other swimmers", turning his feet into flippers. This flexibility also extends to his knees and elbows, possibly allowing him to get more out of each stroke.”  Source

While big feet are an asset to swimmers, gymnasts need tiny feet to stay on the balance beam.  It is estimated that her feet are a size 5 or 6.  Nastia Liukin’s feet are described as "dainty". 
 
While feet can give an Olympian the winning edge, they can also take away the chances of a medal.

Continue reading: Olympic Athletes: It's All About The Feet

Fit Flops: Sandals That Will Make You More Fit?

Fit Flops are a new walking sandal designed to boost your fitness level as you stroll about town in them. 

A recent 20/20 story profiled the shoes that many are purchasing for over $50 each.  Over a billion and a half pairs of fit flops have been sold.  Oprah loves them.  People keep buying them.  So they must be good right? 
 

Continue reading: Fit Flops Sandals To Lose Weight

How To Un-Shrink Crocs Shoes That Have Shrunk

Owners of Crocs shoes become quite frustrated when they learn (usually after the fact) that Crocs shrink when exposed to high heat.

It's true.

Some instances in which Crocs footwear are likely to shrink are:

when left in a hot car

when washed in the dishwasher

when left outside in the sun

Some have even said that their Crocs shrunk as much as 2 sizes!

Here's what you can do if your Crocs shrunk, and you want to be able to wear them again.

Continue reading: How To Un-Shrink Crocs!

Ingrown Toenail Care & Treatment

I've had a couple of toenail tragedies in my day. And if you've ever experienced serious foot pain before, then you'll know where I'm coming from.

Foot pain can make your life miserable.  Every step can be pure torture.  And, if your day-to-day life has you on your feet for hours, there will be no relief.  By the end of the day, you’ll be ready to give up walking for good!

My foot pain was due to an ingrown toenail (...or two).

Continue reading: Ingrown Toenail Care & Treatment

What Are Your Feet Telling You? How To Make Sense Of Foot Pain

I am a huge fan of chiropractic care.  It has always amazed me that my doctor could look at and manipulate the feet, and then go directly to the point on my back that hurt and manipulate it with a little hand held plunger. 

When it comes to the overall condition of the body, it seems the feet have a story to tell. 

In the same way that foot acupressure points can be used to relax the body, the foot can also signal when the body has issues that needs to be addressed. 

Continue reading: Foot Pain Signals Something Worse

Tips For Having Feet Like A Foot Model

Feet may not be the most attractive part of our bodies, but they still need just as much pampering as everywhere else -- after all, they do carry us around for most of the day.

In the summer months when they are on show, we tend to think a little more about them. But during the winter they just seem to get covered up and ignored.

When a friend of mine needed ‘foot models’ for her reflexology exam, I agreed to help her. 

Continue reading: Feet Like A Foot Model

Foot Razors: What Ever Happened To Foot Scrapings & Callus Shavings With A Pedicure?

The first time I had a salon pedicure was when I lived in New Orleans.  The woman soaked my feet and meticulously cleaned and trimmed each toenail.  At the same time, she removed any trace of dead or loose skin from my toes. 

Then she did something I didn't expect.  She took out a metal instrument that had a razor blade in it and began to scrape my feet.  She was literally shaving skin from the calluses on my feet.  I was a bit terrified, but I could see that she knew what she was doing so I quickly settled down and let her get to work. 
 
The result of this foot scraping session was very soft feet that I have never been able to achieve on my own.

Continue reading: Where To Find Foot Razors

When Is It OK To Go Barefoot In Public?

Have you noticed that a lot of people are going barefoot in public these days?

Apparently, celebrity feet are hot.  Many celebs have taken to performing on stage sans shoes.

Even on American Idol recently, Brooke White became quite popular as one who performs without shoes.  In her final performance on American Idol, you can see her playing guitar and singing "Teach Your Children Well" with Graham Nash.  

If you are an American Idol fan, you probably also noticed that whenever she played piano, she had one or both shoes off.

 
Some artists and entertainers such as Ottmar Liebert, Amy Grant, Cesária Évora, Kelly Clarkson, Ricky Martin, Linda Ronstadt, Joss Stone, Sandie Shaw, Lauren Harris, Sass Jordan, Cyndi Lauper, Gwen Stefani, Shakira, Mutabaruka, Henry Rollins, Saba Douglas-Hamilton, Deana Carter, Xavier Rudd, Measha Brueggergosman and Michael Franti perform and/or appear in bare feet so frequently that the barefoot look has become a "signature" of sorts for them. Their lack of footwear is often cited in publicity photos, album titles, interviews and even (in the case of Genevieve Gorder or Julia Roberts) parodies. These performers often cite comfort or nervousness for their preference, go barefoot to express political statements (Michael Franti, for example), and sometimes (as with Isadora Duncan) challenge significant social obstacles in order to do so. Source

But what about everyday non-celebrity people, like you and me?  When is it okay to go barefoot in public? Better yet... is it even good etiquette to go shoeless, or to wear shoes that show your entire foot? 

Continue reading: Barefoot In Public?

Foot Care Tips When You Have Type 2 Diabetes

People with Type 2 diabetes are much more likely to develop foot problems than those without it.

Proper foot care, especially in elderly patients with Type 2 diabetes, is very important. Oftentimes, people who are less flexible or have a hard time caring for their feet may not notice sores and open wounds, which heal very slowly.

Continue reading: Type 2 Diabetes & Your Feet