For the majority of us, going about our business on a daily basis usually includes activities that require us to walk from one place to another, and as we do this we typically don’t think about our feet.  We tend to  forget about them even though they’re constantly taking a beating as we run, shuffle, stomp, walk and tip toe on various surfaces from cement sidewalks to dirt trails.  But as time goes on, there’s a good chance that our feet could give us issues, painful issues that if left untreated can likely make us stop in our tracks.

When foot issues occur, it’s time to see a foot health professional, which depending on the patient and the foot condition, can be a number of possibilities from a DPM (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine) to a C. Ped (Certified Pedorthists).

So what’s the difference between a podiatrist and a pedorthist?

Podiatrist: Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM)
The practice of podiatry consists of the study, diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle and lower leg.  This practice also includes treatment of a variety of conditions that affect the feet – whether the condition is due to circulatory reasons such as edema, to foot deformities caused by wearing improper shoes such as bunions and hammertoes, to even foot odor related issues such as athlete’s foot.  Most podiatrists have solo, surgical practices; but there are some that form larger practices that include orthopedic groups and specialty groups (sports medicine, podopaediatrics, reconstructive surgery, biomechanics, and primary care).  Podiatrists also prescribe drugs, perform physical therapy, fit custom orthotics, and design custom-made shoes.

Pedorthist: C. Ped (Certified Pedorthist)
A pedorthist is a foot health professional who’s trained in the use of proper footwear and supportive devices to prevent or treat numerous foot conditions.  Although pedorthists are not doctors or surgically trained, their specialty includes knowledge of biomechanics and lower limb anatomy.  There are numerous aspects in the field of pedorthics, which include modifying of orthopedic footwear, casting and fitting of custom orthotics, and analyzing gait, footwear and range-of-motion.  The role of a pedorthist is to help restore mobility through filling prescriptions and by recommending proper footwear and over the counter supportive devices to treat, minimize or prevent foot pain and discomfort.

If you have foot issues, it is highly recommended to see your primary physician, who will assess your condition and most likely refer you to a podiatrist.  Then depending on treatment, the podiatrist could refer you to a certified pedorthist.

HealthyFeetStore.com had another record-breaking year in 2010 with even more orders processed than the previous year.  According to our statistics, the items listed below were our top 5 selling foot care products in 2010.

Dr.’s Remedy Enriched, Antifungal, Non-Toxic Nail Polish
We have been fortunate to receive many positive reviews about this product – it seems that our customers can not get enough of this safe, non-toxic nail polish.  Dr.’s Remedy Non-Toxic Nail Polish was developed by two board certified podiatrists: Dr. Cirlincione and Dr. William Spielfogel.  This product contains a slew of ingredients that are healthy for nails such as tea tree oil and garlic bulb extract, a pair of all-natural antifungal and antibacterial ingredients, wheat protein, and vitamin C and E to strengthen nail enamel.  But what really separates this nail polish product from other conventional nail polishes is the fact that it does NOT contain Formaldehyde, Toluene and DBP (Dibutylphthalate) – 3 toxins that are linked to cancer, liver damage and birth defects.

Pedag Bambini – Children’s Arch Supports
The 3/4 length of this children’s arch support insole is a big reason why this product is always one of our top sellers.  The Pedag Bambini is semi firm rubber insole that is slightly shaped to help support the arch and heel of the foot.  The top cover is made with genuine leather, which is supple to the touch, giving it a natural and comfortable feel.  An adhesive stick pad under the heel helps to keep the insole in place so that it doesn’t slide around.  Pedag Bambini Children’s Arch Supports are also APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) approved.

KidZerts Children’s Arch Support Insoles
This is the first children’s wear-moldable insole in the market.  KidZerts Children’s Arch Support Insoles were developed because it was fairly evident that the insoles that came in new children’s shoes were poorly made with no structure, which could actually harm children’s feet.  The answer was to create a children’s insole with exceptional arch support and an established heel cup to help align the body, and at the same time, be wear-moldable, which means that over time the insole will conform to the naturally shape of the foot.  These insoles also have an antibacterial top cover that eliminates smelly feet by killing more than 650 different types of bacteria.  By placing KidZert’s Children’s Arch Support Insoles in your kid’s shoes, you will help reduce foot fatigue, arch pain, ankle pain and pain from flat feet.

Arch Angels Kid’s Arch Support Insoles
This item is another favorite among parents seeking arch support insoles for their kids.  Arch Angels Kid’s Arch Support Insoles are not only constructed with non-toxic materials, but also will decrease foot fatigue in children by providing the necessary arch support and heel stabilization to optimize foot functionality.  These insoles are also ideal for children with flat feet because they will help encourage proper weight distribution across the bottom of the feet, minimizing discomfort and improving support.  By wearing Arch Angels Kid’s Arch Supports, children will be playing and running around the way they are supposed to – pain-free and comfortable.

Turf Toe Full Steel Insole
Have you ever jammed your big toe or over extended it to the point where you experienced pain at the base of the toe?  If so, you probably could have prevented that by wearing Turf Toe Full Steel Insoles.  These insoles are made with laser cut spring steel and have a padded, cushioning top.  Not only will these insoles help prevent Turf Toe from occurring, but also help stabilize the foot to reduce discomfort from ball of foot pain and foot arthritis.  Turf Toe Full Steel Insoles are made for men and women; plus, they are ideal for wearers who seek a rigid, shock absorbing footbed.

Be sure to look for our future blog post that will include HealthyFeetStore.com’s Top 5 Footwear Products of 2010.

Do you ever wonder why your feet are tired and your knees and back are sore after spending an entire day walking or standing?  Why are the joints in your lower limbs achy even after wearing your most comfortable outfit, shoes and all?  What you don’t realize is that you may have been neglecting the arches of your feet, which if they don’t receive love and attention could cause painful unhealthy foot conditions to occur.  By taking care of your arches, you can be assured that the functionality of your feet will improve, your body will align properly and your feet will become healthier.

Your foot has three arches (medial longitudinal, lateral longitudinal and transverse) that make up the area between your forefoot and heel.  The arch helps to bear weight and stabilizes propulsion during the gait cycle (walking or running).  The human body was meant to walk on uneven, natural surfaces such as on dirt trails, fields or sand, which is why the arch area of the foot is curved and not flat.  But with radical changes in history such as the introduction of shoes and the changes that occurred in the Industrial Revolution (the invention of machines such as automobiles), humans have dramatically altered Earth’s landscape with the introduction of hard flat surfaces, which unfortunately has altered our natural footprint.

When the arch of the foot is not supported during the gait cycle, the weight and downward force of the human body make the foot roll aggressively inward (excessive pronation) or outward (excessive supination) – this could cause joints, ligaments and muscles in lower limbs to misalign, which then could cause discomfort, stress or pain.

Unhealthy Foot Conditions that Occur Do to Improper Arch Support

Flat Feet
This condition can be hereditary, occur at birth or take place at an early age.  Being flat footed means the arch of your foot is fully collapsed or rolls inward.  Unfortunately, flat feet can also develop in those who abuse their feet by wearing shoes with poor arch support designs.  Other causes include old age, being overweight and standing for long periods of time in pumps (high heel shoes).  For more information, read Are Fallen Arches a Real Foot Problem?

Excessive Pronation
When walking or running, the arch of the foot stretches and flattens out as the foot rolls inward – this is called pronation, which is a normal function of the foot.  Unfortunately, problems arise when the foot arch remains flat during each step, making the foot roll forward too much – this is called excessive pronation.  This causes improper body alignment, which then leads to stress in joints, ligaments and muscles in the lower limbs.  For more details, read Pronation 101.

Plantar Fasciitis
As one of the most common foot problems in the United States, plantar fasciitis is a condition that is responsible for most causes of heel pain and arch pain due to the plantar fascia ligament being injured or inflamed.  The plantar fascia is ligament that connects the toes to the heel bone – its purpose is to maintain the integrity of the arch of the foot and keep it from collapsing.  Plantar fasciitis occurs when the arch of the foot is not supported properly.  For more details, read Plantar Fasciitis 101.

How to Properly Support the Arch of the Foot

• Wear shoes that have a good arch support footbed design.  The footbed should have an anatomical shape to mimic the contours of the foot.
• Place arch support insoles in your shoes.  Sadly, most shoes do not come with well made insoles.  The insoles are usually foam cutouts that have almost no structure or health benefits to them.  Just remember, for each new pair of shoes you purchase, you should also consider getting arch support insoles – they typically come in full length and ¾ sizes.  For more information, read Choosing the Right Orthotic, Arch Support, Or Insole for Your Lifestyle.

LOVE YOUR ARCHES

… Because Your Arches Need Love Too

Football season is just about over.  The championship playoff games have been played leaving two professional NFL teams to square off in football’s most televised event – the Super Bowl. The 17-week long NFL season was a grind for both the teams and the fans.  At this moment there are preparations being made for the big show; HDTVs are being bought, barbecues are being planned and endless trash talking between fans and franchises are reaching a breaking point.  Super Bowl football is in the air and in the minds of countless fans that would give anything to hold up that shiny, sterling silver Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Unfortunately, holding the trophy is not going to happen for most (unless you’re related to someone in the organization who just won the game); but what will happen are numerous neighborhood football games.  Some games will be played at local parks while some on the streets.  Football fans of all ages will clad themselves in their finest weekend-warrior attire and do their very best to mimic the moves of professional football players.

But, before you go onto the field to throw the pigskin around, you should be aware that there are some injuries and foot conditions that could occur if you don’t take the right precautions.

Plantar Fasciitis
This is the number one foot condition in the United States that causes heel pain or arch pain.  Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, the thick ligament that connects the toes to the heel bone and also supports the arch, gets strained or torn.  This foot condition can occur due to various reasons such as having flat feet, over pronating, being overweight, running or standing on flat surfaces for long periods of time, wearing shoes with no arch support and having tight calf muscles.

• The fix: Wear arch support insoles or shoes that come with a good arch support design.  Wearing footwear with arch support improves overall body alignment and reduces stress on joints, ligaments and muscles in lower legs.  Good arch support also improves foot functionality.
• Plantar Fasciitis Treatments and Foot Care Products

Shin Splints
Be sure to stretch, stretch, stretch, and warm up before you do any activity such as playing football.  Unfortunately, for those who ignore these warnings, shin splints can cause pain in your lower legs.  Shin splints typically occur when muscles in the legs are over-used without warming up properly.  Other causes include swollen muscles or stress fractures in the lower legs and excessive pronation.  Those who are at risk are the weekend warriors who do not exercise regularly.  Put it this way, if you’ve been lying on the couch for the whole 17-week long NFL season and suddenly out of the blue you decide to play football – you might fall into this category.

• The fix: As mentioned above, stretch and warm up properly.  Also, try wearing quality made shoes that come with excellent arch support and cushioning midsoles.  If you know that you’re going to play football in the near future, try doing light exercises to gradually work yourself into recreational football shape.
• Shin Splints Treatment and Products

Ankle Pain
Football is a game where players have to run, jump and quickly move in various directions – this can easily cause ankle pain (irritation and inflammation of the ankle) if you’re not wearing proper shoes or supports.  As reported by the U.S. population, about 60% of foot and ankle injuries occur in individuals who are 17 years old or older, which is pretty much the majority of NFL fans.

• The fix: Try not to be a hero out on the field; professional football players are most likely in better shape and more athletic, so if you can’t perform a certain running move, don’t try it.  Wear ankle wraps or high-top shoes to stabilize weak ankles.
• Ankle Pain Information and Treatment

Blisters
Caused by poorly fitted shoes, blisters typically form on the heel area or on the toes.  When the skin is irritated and rubbed constantly against the surface of a shoe, a blister can form.  Blisters appear as raised fluid-filled pockets within the top layers of the skin.  They can be painful, especially when popped.

• The fix: Wear properly fitted shoes and socks.  Rub foot powder on your feet to help keep them dry and moisture-free since blisters tend to form more easily on moist, warm skin.  You can also wear foot care products such as blister pads to prevent blisters from forming.
• Blisters Information and Treatment

Fractures/Sprains
If you plan on playing football on the street, there’s a good chance that you might experience a fracture due to the hard pavement.  By running and jumping aggressively on hard surfaces, the hard impact can cause the bones in your lower legs to fracture, especially if you’re not used to this type of activity.  Sprains (wrenching or straining of ligaments without fracturing or dislocating) can occur when doing sudden movements to change direction – especially if you’re playing on grass surfaces where the footing is not always the best.

• The fix: Wear properly fitted athletic shoes that have shock-absorbing soles and tread designs with added traction for optimal footing.  Try to remember that you’re not a professional athlete – accept your level of athleticism by not trying to do too much.
• Post Op Shoes and Cast Boots Products

Healthy Socks
Do not wear poorly-made socks or socks that are entirely made out of cotton.  Cotton socks tend to collect moisture, which causes various foot problems to occur such as Athlete’s Foot, toenail fungus and smelly feet.  Moisture build-up coupled with cotton made socks can also cause the skin on your feet to shear off, which can also lead to infection.

• The fix: There are numerous styles of athletic socks that come with moisture management features and wicking designs to keep feet dry.  Healthy socks are usually made with a mixture of materials such as spandex, polyester, elastic, stretch nylon, and at times a very low percentage of cotton.  The mixture of these materials provides comfort, warmth, durability and wicking capabilities; plus the materials allow for form fitting designs, which help provide protection against blister formation.
• Orthopedic Health Socks

It is 2011, which means it’s time to forget the previous year and put aside all the bad habits you incurred in 2010. It’s time for you to get mobile, work on your wellness and take steps to improve your foot health.  Remember, just because you joined a gym and decided to change your diet, doesn’t mean you’ve made all the necessary changes to reach your ultimate goal.  You still have to think about foot health and what type of shoes and foot care products you should invest in.  Also, when it comes to foot health, please don’t just think about what type of shoes you’re going to wear when your exercise – instead think about what type of shoes you’re going to wear for all occasions.  Having great foot health can really make the difference when achieving overall body health and wellness.

HealthyFeetStore.com can help you start 2011 on the right foot.  Below is a list of products that we think you should definitely consider for 2011.

Athletic Shoes

Athletic shoes offered at HealthyFeetStore.com come with orthopedic features and have removable footbeds to accommodate custom orthotics or arch support insoles.

Motion Control Running and Walking Shoes

• Motion control shoes are exceptional for active wearers who have issues with excessive pronation.  These shoes have a more rigid construction, are more durable, and are designed to help guide the feet better during the gait cycle.

Neutral Running and Walking Shoes

• Neutral athletic shoes are ideal for wearers who need shoes in wide sizes and for those who have flat feet.  These shoes are typically built with broader sized footbeds to accommodate custom orthotics or arch supports.

Walking Shoes with Adjustable Closures

• Having shoes with adjustable straps help with easy on/off.  Hook and loop straps also allow wearers a more customized fit, as well as reduce pressure at the throat area that would normally be felt from tight laces.

Rocker Sole Shoes

• Rocker shoes are designed to promote muscle toning, provide a better and pain-free way of walking, and encourage weight loss.  There is still a debate on which brand of rocker shoes is the best – HealthyFeetStore.com carries Ryn Rocker Shoes because they provide exceptional balance, stability and control – unlike other types of rocker shoes that lack these features.

Orthopedic Shoes

Orthopedic shoes at HealthyFeetStore.com come with a slew of features to help gain and maintain healthy feet; plus, about 90% of them have removable insoles to accommodate custom orthotics or arch support inserts.

Casual Shoes

• Orthopedic casual shoes are unlike regular shoes because they’re constructed with features to aid proper foot functionality as well as provide all day comfort.  At HealthyFeetStore.com, you’ll find men’s casual orthopedics shoes that are made with full grain leather uppers, come in various colors from black to brown, and are offered in a variety of styles from slip-on shoes to boat shoes.  You’ll also find women’s casual orthopedic shoes made with various leather uppers that boast stylish designs and come in an assortment of colors from Chili Pepper Red to various Dark Brown shades.  Styles include slingback sandals, Mary Jane shoes, waterproof boots, and women’s wedges – just to name a few.

Dress Shoes

• Unfortunately, dress shoes that you’ll find on the runway are typically very unhealthy to wear because their designs are usually concentrated on looks (narrow toe box, no arch support and tight fitted), rather than on foot functionality and comfort.  Nowadays, orthopedic dress shoes have designs intended for foot comfort and health, plus, they’re fashion-friendly so that wearers get the best of both worlds – healthy feet and stylish shoes that are ideal for office hours in the day and formal outings at night.

Other Shoes

• There are other types of shoes to consider such as slip resistant work shoes for those employed as restaurant workers, nurses or doctors.  HealthyFeetStore.com carries slip resistant work shoes that are made with durable materials, are orthopedically sound and are certified as slip resistant.  All of these features will provide better footing and keep you comfortable at work. HealthyFeeStore.com also carries numerous diabetic shoes that are Medicare A5500 coded; as well as shoes recommended to reduce discomfort caused by various foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, and arthritis.

Socks

All of socks at HealthyFeetStore.com provide features to improve foot health and foot comfort.
Health Socks

• Unlike the cheaply made socks you’ll find at local department stores that offer almost no health benefits, the socks at HealthyFeetStore.com offer features to improve the health of your feet.  There are health socks that will remove 99.9% of fungi, bacteria and odor, and there are some with special cushioning to minimize blister formation and help reduce the loss of fat pads in feet.  Most of the socks at HealthyFeetStore.com are made with a mixture of various materials that include spandex, polyester and cotton – materials that when combined help wick moisture away to keep feet dry and fresh.

Compression Socks

• Compression socks are ideal for wearers who stand or sit for long periods of time, such as travelers on long flights or for those suffering from edema or venous disorders.  At HealthyFeetStore.com, you’ll find various types of compression stockings in different compression ranges from 15-20 mm Hg to 20-30mm Hg.  Styles range from men’s compression pin stripe dress socks to women’s compression sheer dress socks.

Diabetics Socks

• Diabetic socks play an important role in diabetic foot care because they can help prevent diabetic foot wounds and other foot problems from occurring.  Diabetic socks are designed to reduce irritations, prevent feet from external damage, provide no or very light compression, minimize pressure and offer comfort.  Diabetic socks are specifically made to accommodate sensitive feet.

Insoles

Orthotic Insoles and Arch Supports

• Buying healthy shoes is one thing, but did you know that you should probably invest in getting orthotic insoles or arch support inserts as well?  Arch support insoles are designed to provide support and stability so that your feet function properly and you achieve better overall body alignment.  There are even orthotics that provide extra cushioning for more comfort; and there are some orthotics that are specifically made for diabetics.  Unfortunately, most insoles in new shoes lack the features mentioned above, so it’s highly recommended to replace them – you should consider buying a good pair of insoles for every new pair of shoes you get.

Healthyfeetstore.com has added four new brands: Pro-Tec Athletics, Spenco, Kerasal and Ryn.  As one of the internet’s leading orthopedic shoes and foot care products store, we constantly try our best to add only the finest brand names in the industry.  Our goal is always the same – provide a place where customers can receive excellent customer service and shop for footwear items that will help them gain and maintain healthy feet.

As we add new brands, we’ll make sure to blog about them so you can be the first to read about them; and also, be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook – we constantly update our followers and friends with news and information about the latest items added to our site.

Pro-Tec Athletics
Pro-Tec Athletics offers various products that come with a wide range of features to provide support, protection, comfort and injury prevention.  Founded by Jeff Rodgers, a former professional volleyball player, this company has over 35 products that are specially designed to benefit various athletic related markets such as running, basketball, soccer, schools, physical therapy, orthopedic, podiatry and chiropractic clinics.

Notable Pro-Tec Athletics items offered at HealthyFeetStore.com:

• Pro-Tec Athletics Ankle Wrap
• Pro-Tec Athletics Liquicell Blister Bands
• Pro-Tec Athletics Massage Balls for Plantar Fasciitis Relief
• Pro-Tec Athletics Toe Caps for Toe Protection

Spenco
Spenco was founded by Dr. Wayman Spence in 1967.  This health care company produces some of the top shoe insoles, heel pads, arch supports and other orthotics in the market so that people can experience more comfort in their footwear.  As a leader in the industry, Spenco foot care products are constantly recommended by foot doctors and specialists from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) and the Federation of International Podiatrists (FIP).

Notable Spenco items offered at HealthyFeetStore.com:

• Spenco Total Support Gel – Arch Support Insoles
• Spenco for Her Total Support – Women’s Arch Support Insoles
• Spenco Gel Comfort Insoles

Kerasal
Known as the “podiatrists” brand, Kerasal items are some of the most trusted products in the foot care industry.  Throughout the world, Kerasal products have been used by podiatrists and dermatologists for not only rehydrating and softening the roughest, driest feet, but also for revitalizing and repairing dry cracked heels.  Kerasal products are so widely used by podiatrists that in 2006 Kerasal was honored by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) as a trusted brand.

Notable Kerasal items offered at HealthyFeetStore.com:

• Kerasal DF – Dual Moisturizing Foot Cream for Diabetics
• Kerasal ultra20 Extra Strength – Foot Cream for Dry Heels
• Kerasal Exfoliating Moisturizer – Foot Cream for Dry Cracked Heels

Ryn
Ryn technology was created so that wearers could experience a better, pain-free way of walking.  These rocker sole shoes offer health features to promote muscle toning, weight loss, pain relief and rehabilitation. Ryn rocker shoes are made with top quality materials and are designed better than other rocker shoes in the industry because they provide exceptional balance, stability and control.

Notable Ryn rocker shoes offered at HealthyFeetStore.com:

• Ryn Nazca Men’s and Women’s Rocker Shoes (Blue)
• Ryn Nazca Men’s and Women’s Rocker Shoes (Red)
• Ryn Nazca Men’s and Women’s Rocker Shoes (Black)

Online shopping has become such a normal way to shop that we at HealthyFeetStore.com are doing our best to provide you as much information as possible about the products we offer.  One great way to do this is by posting our customers reviews.  As an online shopper, there are two things I do before purchasing an item.  First, I read the content and features about the item and second (the most important for me), I read through the reviews that other customers have written about the item.  In my experience, customers seldom lie when writing their reviews.  I can’t think of a time that I didn’t agree with what other customers have written.

So to help you kick-start your holiday shopping, we decided to post some examples of our customer reviews below.  To read more reviews of other fantastic items, please visit our top rated products page.

KidZerts Children’s Arch Support Insoles

Cloud Nine Cascade Booty Women’s Sheepskin  Slipper

PG Lite Alegria Mary Jane Plum Patent

Plantar fasciitis is the leading foot condition in the United States that causes heel pain or arch pain.  It occurs when the plantar fascia (a thick ligament that supports the arch of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes) gets strained, which causes it to swell or get irritated.  In some cases the plantar fascia can even be torn.

The causes of plantar fasciitis:

• Excessive pronation
  • This occurs when feet roll inward too much when walking or running.
• Flat feet or high arches
  • Flat feet can cause excessive pronation due to the lack of support along the metatarsal arch.  High arches can get strained if you wear shoes that do not provide adequate arch support.
• Standing, walking or running on flat surfaces for extended periods of time
  • Our feet were not designed for man-made flat surfaces – they were designed to be used on soft natural landscape.  This is why it’s imperative to wear proper footwear with arch support.
• Being overweight
  • When standing or walking, feet take the blunt of our weight so the more weight we carry the more likely we’ll strain the plantar fascia ligament.
• Wearing poor shoes
  • Shoes that are poorly made with no arch support.
  • Shoes that are old and have lost their support.
  • Shoes that do not fit well.
• Tight Achilles tendon (calf muscle)
  • The Achilles tendon is also connected to the heel bone so if it’s tight it can also cause the plantar fascia ligament to tighten.

Plantar fasciitis is more common than people think.  Sometimes people experience it without knowing that they have it.  A good indicator that you may have plantar fasciitis is during your first steps out of bed – if you feel sharp pain at the heel you might have plantar fasciitis.

Other plantar fasciitis indicators:

• Heel pain after taking steps following long periods of sitting or lying down
• Heel pain after climbing stairs
• Pain at the beginning of exercising that goes away during the workout, but then comes back after excising is complete
• Heel pain after standing on toes
• Tightness in the calf muscle

There are various things that can be done for treating plantar fasciitis.  In most cases, just resting your foot to let the plantar fascia heal is the best treatment.

Other plantar fasciitis treatments:

• Wear shoes that offer proper arch support.  Please keep in mind that wearing the right pair of shoes for plantar fasciitis will not heal you – it’s just an extra step to recovery and to reduce discomfort.
• Add arch support insoles into your shoes if they don’t have proper arch support.  Wearing arch support insoles will help decrease excessive pronation and allow your feet to function properly without straining the plantar fascia ligament.
• Wear a plantar fasciitis night splint when sleeping.  The purpose of the night splint is to stretch the plantar muscle band as you rest so that it doesn’t tighten overnight.
• Do calf stretches a few times a day.
• Do special foot stretches and exercises daily to gain proper circulation to the feet.
• Try massage therapy by rolling the foot over a massage ball.

Plantar fasciitis affects millions of people each year.  If you feel that you’re suffering from plantar fasciitis, we recommend visiting a foot health professional to best determine your condition.

It’s during this time of the year that men (and some women), from all walks of life, from blue collar to white collar, from adolescents to retirees and from west coasters to east coasters, strategically prioritize their lives and schedules to accommodate the all important, 17-week-long NFL season.  The NFL is by far one of the most watched professional sports leagues in the United States, and each year many fans get themselves ready for the long, exciting season.  Typically, to enjoy NFL football, all you need is some sort of electronic device, whether it be a cheap AM/FM radio (totally boring) or a nice 52 inch flat screen LCD HDTV with DVR capabilities and the Direct TV NFL package.  Then you have to consider food and beverages – will it be barbecue or pizza – will it be nice cold IPA beer or plain water (really boring)?  Then, do you think about getting a new recliner, or do you plan to watch the games at the local pub or at a friend’s house?

There are so many different decisions to account for when it comes to getting ready for the NFL season.  But often times, NFL fans seem to forget one extremely important phase of comfort that can be the key to an awesome NFL season experience: having comfortable feet on Sundays, Mondays, some Thursdays and Playoff Saturdays.  What’s the point of watching football games if you’re going to have foot pain?  To help NFL fans have comfortable feet during the NFL season, we at HealthyFeetStore.com have put together a list of products that we think you should consider.

Please note: This list is geared towards men, even though we completely understand that women also enjoy NFL games – just keep in mind that for every men’s product on the list, HealthyFeetStore.com has plenty of comparable women’s products as well.

Products for NFL fans at home

Cloud Nine Trekker Men’s Sheepskin Moccasin Slippers
I personally own a pair and must say that these have got to be the most comfortable orthopedic slippers I have ever worn.  The sheepskin material is extremely soft to the touch and TPR outer sole is durable enough for when I’m outdoors.  Even though the insoles are removable to accommodate custom orthotics, I’ve decided to keep them in – they’re just so comfortable.  Then to top it off, the memory EVA midsole adds even more comfort during each step.

Old Friend Rolled Collar Bootee Men’s Sheepskin Slippers
Lined with sheepskin material, this bootee will keep feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer since sheepskin is a thermostatic material.  Sheepskin is also a natural moisturizer, which will prevent dry feet and cracked heels.  The TPR rubber outsole will help men achieve optimal footing when they peruse from their living rooms to their kitchens.  Men can even roll up the collar on chilly mornings for extra warmth.

Acorn Grey Ragg Wool Slipper Socks
Some men only like to sport socks on NFL Sundays – we recommend this slipper sock because it’s like wearing a sock and slipper at the same time.  Men will get the same upper feeling of an orthopedic sock, but with better protection at the bottom, due to its tough suede outsole.  This slipper sock is so awesome that NASA astronauts have been wearing them during missions in outer space since 1982 – if Acorn slipper socks are good enough for NASA astronauts, they’re good enough for NFL fans at home!

Dr. Rosenberg’s Cool Soles
Men can alleviate foot discomfort with Cool Soles.  This could be an ideal product for men who want to try cold or hot therapy for their feet while sitting and relaxing on the couch during games.  Please note: The insoles are to be used while sitting down and not while walking.  Consult your physician before use if you have diabetes, circulation problems or numbness in your feet.  DO NOT WALK IN THESE INSOLES.

Products for NFL tailgaters and season ticket holders

Brooks Addiction 9 Men’s Motion Control Shoe
For men that are leaving the comfort of their homes to watch NFL football games at the stadium, we highly recommend wearing a quality made motion control shoe like the Addiction 9.  Brooks is one of the leading athletic shoe companies in the world, so you can only expect the best technologies in their features.  The Addiction 9 comes with an upper made with moisture managing mesh, a full-length BioMoGo cushioned midsole, an Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar to prevent excessive pronation and a durable, abrasion resistant, HPR Plus rubber outsole – and believe it or not, these are just a few features, to read more, visit our product page.

Powerstep Arch Support Inserts
If you already have quality shoes, you might want to put arch support insoles in them.  Arch support insoles can alleviate and prevent pain caused by misaligned joints and muscles.  By wearing arch support insoles, you’ll gain proper alignment from your feet all the way up to your back.  Pain that can be prevented includes: foot pain, ankle pain, arch pain, discomfort from plantar fasciitis, knee pain, hip pain and back pain.

Dr. Weil Compass Men’s Leather Arch Support Flip Flops
Just like the name says, these flip flops have an arch support footbed.  Not only are these orthopedic sandals stylish, but also healthy to wear since they have the features that will improve biomechanical foot function to lessen foot fatigue and minimize injury to lower limbs.  You might wonder why we added these since the NFL season take place during cooler temperatures.  Believe it or not, there are some fans that still wear flip flops all year long, especially those living in San Diego, Oakland, Miami, Tampa Bay and Jacksonville. I also wouldn’t doubt if there were, let’s just say, “enthusiastic” shirtless fans at Lambeau Field with painted chests supporting the Packers, wearing flip flops too.

Did the pursuit of getting in shape for the Summer slip past your fingers? Found yourself too tired or busy to work out? Is it uncomfortable to exercise? Do you need new workout gear?

HealthyFeetStore.com wants to give you that first push toward making a commitment to comfortably and regularly exercise. There’s about two months left of Summer and it’s never too late to start doing something good for your body.

Today is the first day of our Get Back In Shape Giveaway Contest: One lucky, randomly-chosen winner will win $100 of store credit toward athletic shoes, insoles and socks tailored for your body and your work out plan.

Dates of Giveaway: Today, August 3 through Thursday, August 5 11:59 p.m. PST.

To Be A Winner: You must comment this blog post and answer BOTH of the questions listed below. You must be at least 18 years old and live in the United States or have an APO/FPO shipping address. One winner will be chosen at random. The winner will be announced on Friday, August 6. If the winner does not claim his/her prize within 7 days, another winner will be chosen. If you want to enter but are not able to use a computer, please mail us your entry.

What You Could Win: One winner will get a free consultation by phone with our certified pedorthist and she will recommend a customized package of insoles, socks and athletic shoes that you should wear based on your foot type, conditions and exercise level. We will give you $100 of store credit toward these three items. Before the phone consultation with our pedothist, the winner will have to answer a few questions via e-mail about his or her feet and planned exercise routine.

How to Enter:

Comment this blog post and answer BOTH questions:

1) What brand of athletic shoes do you currently wear while exercising OR if you don’t currently have any, what athletic shoe brand is your favorite?

2) Which athletic shoe on our online store would you want to wear? View women or View men.

Extra Entries:

(Please leave a different comment for each extra entry)

-Follow us on Twitter and RT about our contest

-Like our Facebook Fan Page

Good luck!

We will announce and contact the winner on Friday, August 6.