One of the most common questions I get asked by my patients is, "what is the perfect shoe for me to wear?" The answer is simple: There is no such thing as one perfect shoe. Feet vary in shapes and sizes as well as undergo a wide array of activities. The one vital role that shoes play is to protect your feet from all external dangers.

When you buy a new pair of shoes, it is important to make sure that your new shoes fit properly, are supportive for the activities you will engage in, and do not hurt or cause damage to your feet. Making sure your shoes fit your feet is part of properly caring for your feet. Therefore, it is important that you look at options for different styles to see which shoe best fits your particular shoe shape. Another tip to keep in mind is your feet are rarely both the same size and it is important you fit your new shoes to your larger foot so both feet experience the comfort and support of the correct fit.

For more shoe tips or what shoes are recommended by the American Podiatric Medical Association, visit our Recommended Shoes list. If you have any questions or would like to request an appointment, call our office at (615) 220-8788.

Mark Your Calendars!!

Tomorrow, Tuesday, August 16th, 2011at 6:30pm and 8:00pm in our Smyrna location (300 StoneCrest Blvd. Suite 350, Smyrna, TN 37167) Dr. Neuhaus will two informational sessions about a new weight loss program that will be implemented into our office. The informational session will explain what the program is all about including rapid weight loss results with real testimonials, easy and convenient meals, and a health coach that will help you along your journey of losing weight. Weight plays a roll in your foot pain and both Dr. Neuhaus and Dr. Knox feel that a healthy patient will contribute to the success of walking pain free without the use of medication and injections.

We are committed to helping you get healthy the right way. Feel free to call our office (615) 220-8788 to reserve your spot at one of the seminars. Walk-ins are also welcome! Bring your family, friends, and neighbors! Everyone is welcome! For more information about the program, visit www.walklighter.com.

Meet Larry Before & After Success Story

"After 30 years of hiding behind my wife in photos, and trying every weight loss program known to man with no lasting success, I was diagnosed with diabetes and sleep apnea. I have watched every family member struggle and suffer with this disease and I was scared. Then a doctor friend of mine recommended this program.

It was the easiest and quickest thing I have ever done!! Three months later and 57 pounds lighter, I was able to walk my daughter down the aisle with pep in my step and no fear of the cameras. I went on to lose another 35 pounds, a total of 92 pounds in 4 1/2 months.

The best part is I no longer have diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, acid reflux, or high cholesterol. I am so grateful to have my life back and just completed a 100 mile charity bike ride. Now I share this life saving program with everyone!"

Your toenails are just as important as your foot or any other part of your body. This is because your toenails can alert your doctor of the beginning or several conditions. For example, toenails that are hollow instead of being rounded can indicate an iron deficiency or anemia. Increased nail thickness, or bumps on the nail, can be psoriasis, a skin disease. Your foot doctor will check your toenails to make sure they are healthy. Healthy nails are pink, free of dirt,  and grow into the grooves normally. Your podiatrist can give you a variety of treatment options for any and all your toenail problems. Common conditions of your toenails include ingrown toenails, thickened nails, fungal infections, other infections, and trauma.

Who gets nail problems?

All ages of people can go through changes with their toenails including thick, brittle, curved, discolored, infected, and grooved nails. As you grow older, you are more likely to develop toenail problems because you are prone to have poor circulation.

What causes nail problems?

Toenail problems can be caused by warts, tumors under the nail bed, infection, or poor circulation. One major cause to problems are incorrectly fitting shoes that press too tightly on the toenails. Another major cause is injury to the nail that causes bruising or an infection. This can cause permanent nail deformity.

** If you have any sudden changes in color or shape of your nail, sign of infection, freckles develop under then nail, or you have pain, call our office at (615) 220-8788 or request an appointment online. For more information about nail problems, visit our website at www.neufoot.com.

The summer is the worst time of year when it comes to wearing improper shoes. Most sandals have no support or a very little amount and this can lead to foot problems. Also, it is vital to make sure that your shoes correctly fit your feet. These two tips are primary components to overall foot care. Poor fitting shoes can lead to blisters, bruising, ingrown toenails and other foot problems. You want your shoes to fit properly so you can avoid these complications.

When you are shopping for a new pair of shoes, the most important factor is that your size is not the same from shoe to shoe. The size of your shoes varies from one style or manufacture to the next. Therefore, you may wear a womens size 8 running shoe, but you may need to wear a size 7 or 9 dress shoe.  One more helpful hit when comparing the same shoe style , a half size larger will be 1/6 inch longer and a width wider will be 1/16 inch wider at the ball of your foot and a total of 1/8 inch wider in circumference. Then, you need to look at the support the shoe gives you. In Middle Tennessee this week, the temperature outside has been nothing but HOT and every one wears sandals or flip-flops. Sadly, most do not have support but we found you the right kind of flip-flops for the summer. Chacos, Dansko, FitFlop Sandals and Orthaheel Sandals are among the recommended list for supportive sandals that are great for your feet.

www.apma.org has more information on helpful hits to help with proper fitting shoes as well as shoes with great support for walking, running, or just because. If you need have noticed any of the above foot complications, call our office at (615) 220-8788 or request an appointment online. You can also learn more information about different conditions at www.neufoot.com.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a noninvasive surgical treatment method that uses sound waves to stimulate healing in some foot disorders, including heel pain. Because there is no incision, ESWT offers two main advantages over alternative methods: not as many potential complications and a faster return to every day activity. Shockwave treatment is an option for the patient whose heel pain has not resolved with other treatments, such as the use of anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections, ice packs, stretching exercises, orthotic devices (shoe inserts), and physical therapy.

During the procedure sound waves travel through the heel area and stimulate the healing response. ESWT temporarily reduces or eliminates the sensation of pain. However, even with decreased pain, do not go directly back to normal activity because the foot needs time to heal. ESWT is very safe and effective, but every surgical procedure carries the possibility of complications. In addition to mild pain and tingling or numbness, bruising and swelling sometimes develops after ESWT.

For more information on Shockwave Therapy treatment, visit www.heelpain101.com or www.neufoot.com or watch our video on YouTube, What is Shockwave Treatment?.