Chapter 5 - How Do Things Measure Up?

So far we have established that the foot is our means of locomotion and support.  We have also established that those feet need to be taken care of and that those feet seem to change during the course of ones life.

As we left Chapter 4 (Does Size Matter) we were discussing that everyone should have their feet measured as lease once a year by a professional.

The Brannock  was designed in 1927 by Charles F. Brannock.  The Brannock Device is available in Men's, Women's and Children's.  For a complete history of the device go to:  http://brannock.com/

The Brannock Device measures (1) Toe Length, (2) Arch Length, and (3) Width.  The device is designed to measure both the right and left feet by simply turning it around.  By using this device a knowledgeable salesperson can determine a starting point for properly fitting their customers.  In short, it eliminates a lot of the guess work.  While this device can determine the three most crucial measurements, it can not measure all the variables which will be explained further blogs in detail but include things like bunions, high insteps, and hammer toes.  A lot of those variables can be determined by a professional salesperson.

While most of today's shoes are designed and engineered to work with the Brannock device, each style is made on its own last.  That means that not all shoes will run true to the measuring device.  There are shoes that run narrow, there are shoes that run wide, there are shoes that run short, etc., etc.  That is why it is always important to seek out a professional.  You should always go to someone that has the Brannock Device, knows how to use it , knows to measure both feet, and knows the differences in the styles they carry.

Now, don't run out now and get your feet measured until you read next week's blog.  I will detail then how shoes should fit and again mention some of the variables that will make you sizes or width different.

Again, thank you for taking the time to read this.  I am always open to comments and questions.  Until next week -

Chapter 4 - Shoe Size Does Matter

I originally had the title on this one as "Does Size Matter?" but at the last minute decided to change it.  I'm sure that my original would have gotten more attention - the new title is somewhat more appropriate.
 
So, to get to the real subject - that is Size (of your feet). How many of you actually know your shoe size? Since the demise of most of the "Full Service" Shoe Stores and the birth of the "Fit Yourself" Shoe Stores most people have not had their feet measured since they were a child. Some people have never ever had their feet measured at all.

Size DOES matter and everyone should have their feet measured at least once a year by a professional. It doesn't matter that you have wore the same size (or thought you have worn the same size) for years. Most people's bodies have changed over the years, it stands to reason that your feet change too. Your feet continue to grow all your life and other changes occur too that might affect the size shoes you will wear.

Now if I have convinced you to have your feet measured you will need to read my next blog before you go to do it. In my next blog I will go into detail about measuring devices and how they work and how to interpret them. I am trying to keep each post short as to not bore you and to keep you coming back.

So, stayed tuned folks. Same day, same time, same blogspot next week.

Chapter 3 - The Agony of deFeet

　

So far we have we have established that the feet are considered as the organ for locomotion and the shock absorbers of the human body.

I follow a lot of Health & Fitness Experts and Footcare Specialists on Twitter. Just a few days ago I came across a Tweet that reminded me that this is probably the best direction to continue.

It amazes me sometimes the neglect that feet get. In as much time as it takes a man to shave his face or a lady to shave her legs a little extra care can be given to those feet. Seriously, it doesn't take that long and your feet need the attention. Let's just call it preventive maintenance.

　

Here are the basics:

Bathe your feet daily using a mild soap. Use a pumice stone to gently remove callused skin. Rinse off all soap and dry feet thoroughly, especially between the toes. Apply lotion or petroleum jelly to feet and heels. Put on a pair of cotton socks. See, that doesn't take that long at all.

Here are a few extras:

Inspect your feet often for any trauma such as redness, blisters, cuts, cracks, swelling or color changes (especially if you are a diabetic). Do not trim or shave corns or calluses. Trim nails straight across and not too short. Do not cut out or dig at corners. Wear clean socks or stockings each day. Do not wear any that are too short or too tight. Avoid walking barefooted. Apply sunblock if planning outdoor activities.

　
Just a few more:

Use foot powder if your feet sweat or are prone to athlete’s foot. DO NOT USE BABY POWDER (there will be a later blog about this). Exercise regularly to maintain and improve the circulation in your feet. Do not ignore foot problems or allow them to become worse. Seek attention from your physician. It is not normal for feet to hurt.

　

You will see me making this statement over and over in my blogs from here on out and that is: TAKE CARE OF YOUR FEET - THEY TAKE YOU EVERYWHERE YOU GO. And remember - if your feet hurt, you hurt all over.

Stay tuned for my next blog...... Don't forget that you are welcome to leave comments

　

　

　

Chapter 2 - What An Understatement

As we were leaving Chapter 1 we were talking about how many miles the average person would walk in their lifetime and how their feet would be their balancers, levers and shock absorbers.

I am reminded of a song from my childhood that went something like:  The foot bone connected to the ankle bone.  The ankle bone's connected to the leg bone and so on and so on.

I have been telling people for years about how every single part of the body is affected by their feet.  Our support system begins at the ground and works it way up.  With every single step we take it effects not only our feet, but our ankles, knees, hips and back.

When most of us start to feel aches and pains we wonder why all of the sudden that happens.  People rarely think that their feet may (or may not) have anything to do with it.  And, until someone like me points it out to them few will ever connect it.

Thinking of our feet as our "Shock Absorbers" can you imagine driving down the street without shock absorbers on your car?  Can you imagine what your body would feel like after a long drive?

Can you see where the clues are leading here?  Hum, it looks like this mystery will continue. Stay tuned for my next blog.

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Chapter 1 - Something's Afoot

It sounds like there is a mystery to solve here.

According to http://www.dictionary.com the human foot is the terminal part of the vertebrate leg upon which the body stands and moves.  It is such a part considered as the organ of locomotion.

With the foot (or a pair of feet) the human can balance the human body in an upright position or can move that body from one location to another by walking, running, skipping, dancing, jumping or another mode of movement that has failed to come to mind at the moment.

It is said that the human has used his/her foot to travel by foot, to get one's foot in the door, to start on the right foot, to start on the wrong foot, to get under foot, be bound hand and foot, caught flat footed, play footsies, wait on hand and foot, shoot oneself in the foot, or even put one's foot in one's mouth (I have actually seen this happen a few times).

The human foot has 26 bones.  2 in the rear, 5 in the mid and 19 making up the forefoot and toes.  It has 33 joints, 4 distinct archs and more than a hundred muscles, tendons and ligaments.

I have read where the average moderately active person will walk over 110,000 in their lifetime.  For that entire distance their feet will be their balancers, levers and shock absorbers.  Wow, that's a lot to ask your feet to do don't you think?

I can see that all of this is leading somewhere - but in what direction it is going I am not sure yet.  Please stay tuned for my next blog where we will follow clues in hopes of solving our mystery.

My Kittie Angel who is often underfoot.


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