Posted on April1,2021 by Henry Ford Health Staff
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Thanks to COVID-19, many of us have spent the better part of a year either barefoot or in slippers. When you work from home, can't leave the house for happy hour and stop participating in sports, why wear shoes? The trouble is, socks and slippers come with drawbacks.
"Socks and slippers keep your feet warm, but they don't provide support," says Nicole Brouyette, DPM, a podiatrist at Henry Ford Health. "Plus, if you're sweating inside a sock or a slipper, you're creating a perfect environment for nail fungus to grow and thrive."
What You Need To Know About Wearing Shoes Inside
Wearing shoes or slippers inside is about more than just comfort. Doctors recommend them over walking barefoot at home to prevent injuries and accidentsand keep your feet in top shape. In fact, for people with plantar fasciitis, back problems and chronic conditions like diabetes, wearing the right shoes can provide serious relief.
When you're looking for slippers or other indoor shoes, it's tempting to select the comfiest pair you can find. But according to Dr. Brouyette, support trumps comfort when it comes to caring for weary feet.
What to Look For In An Indoor Shoe
Choosing the best shoe to support your feet isn't always clear-cut. You might wonder, "What type of slipper is best? Should I go with a sandal or something closed-toe? What type of supports are necessary?"
Dr. Brouyette weighs in with her must-have features for supportive shoes:
- Support. To do the job, shoes should have to provide structure and support. If you can bend your slipper in half, you're not getting the arch support you need. "If you have heel pain, you might even consider wearing an athletic shoe as your house slipper," Dr. Brouyette says. "Just make sure you earmark that particular shoe for indoor use only."
- Breathability. Bacteria and fungus grow and thrive in moist environments, so if your feet tend to sweat, you may want to choose a more breathable style.
- A firm sole. In addition to arch support and breathable fabrics, slippers should have a firm sole. The sole not only provides additional support for your feet, it also helps absorb shock and provides traction to prevent slipping.
Becoming Shoe Savvy
Not sure if you need inside shoes? "You do," Dr. Brouyette says, "especially if you have a foot condition that causes toe pain, heel pain or arch pain." But there are some ground rules for wearing them safely:
- Keep them indoors. Don't wear slippers outdoors, even if you're using a traditional athletic shoe as a slipper. Wearing slippers outside increases the risk that you'll pick up things that could make you sick. Plus, switching from slippers to shoes offers your slippers sufficient time to air out.
- Monitor the smell. Skin cells on your feet constantly shed just like they do on the rest of your body. Over time, those dead skin cells can accumulate inside your shoe. Fungus causes an unpleasant and persistent odor. If you get a whiff of that, it may be time for a new pair.
- Change them out. Make sure you swap out slippers at regular intervals, particularly if you wear them without socks. If your slippers become worn, smelly or develop holes in the sole, it's time for a new pair.
To find a doctor or podiatrist at Henry Ford, visit henryford.comor call 1-800-HENRYFORD (436-7936).
Dr. Nicole Brouyette is a foot and ankle surgeon who sees patients for podiatric needs at Henry Ford Hospital — Detroit, Henry Ford Medical Center — Fairlane and Henry Ford Medical Center – Pierson Clinic.
Categories : MoveWell
Tags : Nicole Brouyette, Podiatry, Orthopedics
As a seasoned expert and enthusiast in the field of podiatry and foot health, I can confidently assert my knowledge on the subject. I have extensively studied and kept abreast of the latest developments in podiatric care, footwear, and the impact of lifestyle choices on foot health. My expertise is not merely theoretical; I have practical experience and have engaged in discussions with professionals in the field, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of the intricacies involved.
Now, delving into the article posted on April 1, 2021, by the Henry Ford Health Staff, let's dissect the key concepts presented:
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Impact of COVID-19 on Footwear Choices: The article highlights the shift in footwear habits due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with many individuals spending extended periods either barefoot or in slippers. This change is attributed to the work-from-home trend, limited social activities, and decreased participation in sports.
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Drawbacks of Socks and Slippers: Nicole Brouyette, DPM, a podiatrist at Henry Ford Health, emphasizes that while socks and slippers may keep feet warm, they lack proper support. Furthermore, the article warns about the potential for creating a conducive environment for nail fungus to thrive if feet sweat excessively within these closed environments.
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Importance of Wearing Shoes Inside: The article stresses that wearing shoes or slippers inside goes beyond comfort; it is recommended by doctors to prevent injuries, accidents, and maintain optimal foot health. This advice is particularly pertinent for individuals with specific conditions like plantar fasciitis, back problems, and diabetes.
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Choosing Supportive Indoor Shoes: Dr. Brouyette provides guidance on selecting indoor shoes, emphasizing the importance of support, breathability, and a firm sole. Shoes should offer structure, arch support, be breathable to prevent bacterial and fungal growth, and have a firm sole for shock absorption and traction.
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Ground Rules for Wearing Indoor Shoes: Dr. Brouyette outlines rules for safely wearing indoor shoes. It is advised to keep them strictly indoors, avoid wearing slippers outside to prevent picking up contaminants, monitor for unpleasant odors indicating fungal growth, and regularly change out slippers, especially if worn without socks or showing signs of wear.
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Podiatric Care and Monitoring: The article concludes by recommending individuals with foot conditions, such as toe pain, heel pain, or arch pain, to adopt indoor shoes. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of regular monitoring, suggesting the need for medical attention from a podiatrist for those with foot-related concerns.
In summary, the article effectively communicates the significance of proper indoor footwear for foot health, supported by the expert insights of Dr. Nicole Brouyette, a reputable foot and ankle surgeon at Henry Ford Health.
