Christmas is fast approaching. Are you feeling it or not? With a little planning, you can stay in good health, including your feet, before heading to the Carnival festivities which are in the “heel” of it. We all want to look our best for the impending party season, wearing fabulous outfits, and equally glam shoes. But while sparkly stilettos and high heels may look good, usually after a couple of hours, we’re left fighting a burning sensation in our poor feet. The late nights and early mornings of the party season can take its toll on feet, especially when we’re not used to wearing high heels for long periods of time.

Also, standing in the long supermarket line; at the bank to change the old currency; hitting Chinatown for bargains; excessive walking at the mall; taking a trip abroad; any or all can contribute to problems.

Impact of your foot arches under pressure

Having a flat foot, or if it’s high arched, will dictate how comfortable a pair of shoes will be. Flat feet can cause muscle spasms in your arches and legs, when wearing flat shoes such as the ballet, or the dressy ones. High arches can cause ball of the foot pain and burning, especially when wearing high heels or high wedges; unfortunately, they are the craze right now. The higher, the better, seems to be the unstated fashion mantra for shoes, particularly around the holidays. However, the pitch or slope of the high heel or wedge, forces the ball of the foot towards the ground. As well, the shoes do not have enough padding in the toe box to absorb the pressure, while cushioning the weight in the ball of the foot.

Effects of inappropriate shoe choices

Shoes can trigger foot problems, just as much as certain types of foot structures, can cause shoe problems. Additionally, the combination of having structural bone problems such as hammer toes, heel spurs, and bunions, can be aggravated by wearing the wrong type of shoe. Or, it could have started, or become a problem, due to the said shoe choices. Shoes that are too narrow, can aggravate bone spurs that have developed over time on the foot, causing blisters and corns to form. It can also contribute to the bunions and Morton’s neuroma. Therefore, shopping all day can be hazardous to your feet!

Which shoes are best for shopping?

You need to prevent foot and shoe problems from ruining your holiday shopping experience, while pounding the pavement. To facilitate this, the first thing is to plan your shoe wardrobe, before you shop. If you are going to shop after work, take a comfortable pair of shoes with you to change into. If you are wearing heels, make sure you have a soft insole liner in them that will cushion the impact when walking and standing.

As a podiatrist, I thought it might be helpful to share some tips if you’re considering buying yourself a new pair of shoes for Christmas. I wanted to pull together some of the best resources, so check the ones suited to you from the listing:

• Buy for if you are on your feet all day.
• If you are a runner, walk for exercise, or do cross fit, yes… there are sneakers geared for each one.
• Footwear for if you suffer with plantar fasciitis, heel pains/spurs.
• Business or formal footwear that is comfortable and supportive, yet looks fashionable.
• Footwear geared for children and teenagers growing feet.

What pair of shoes are you hoping to get this Christmas? If your loved ones are looking forward to opening up a new pair of shoes this Christmas, make sure they tried it at the store first, so you know the correct size. We hope you have an awesome Holiday Season walking in comfort!

Hydrate your feet and toenails

Deborah also advises using a good foot cream to prevent dryness and hard skin. The best time to moisturise your feet is immediately after a shower. Use Vitamin E oil, cuticle oil or other nail strengthener, to minimise the appearance of dry/ brittle nails; improve the nail strength; and moisturise the cuticles. Massaging them too is essential; it improves blood circulation.

How to treat the aches and pains

If your foot problems continue long after the season has gone, you should visit your podiatrist. You will get more guidance on footwear, treatment and management.

                                                 Your feet mirror your general health . . . cherish them!