Get Answers to All Your Foot Care Queries

Podiatric medicine in Alberta is considered an allied health service and is partially funded by Alberta Health and Wellness. Benefits payable for each resident of Alberta for podiatric services are limited to a maximum of $250 for each benefit period. In the form of a co-payment, the patient contributes to the total cost of the treatment, based on recommendations from the Alberta Podiatry Association for the co-payment charges.

Shopping for shoes is best done in the afternoon. Your feet tend to swell a little during the day, so it's best to buy shoes to fit them then. Have your feet measured every time you purchase shoes, and do it while you're standing. When you try on shoes, try them on both feet; many people have one foot larger than the other, and it's best to fit the larger one.

Properly fitting shoes should not need a “break in” period – they should feel comfortable from the start. The heel should fit snugly, the instep should not gape open, and there should be 1/4'’ to 1/2” between the end of the big toe and the front of the shoe. You’ll have more success finding good shoes if you shop at an established retailer with a reputation for good customer service and staff that are qualified to fit shoes properly.

Trim your toenails straight across with clippers specially designed for the purpose. Do not cut into the corners of your toenails, as this can cause ingrown toenails.

Walking is the best exercise for your feet. It also contributes to your general health by improving circulation, contributing to weight control and promoting all-around well-being.

The foot contains 26 bones, 33 joints, 107 ligaments, and 19 muscles. Tendons hold the structure together and allow it to move in a variety of ways.

Your feet mirror your general health. Such conditions as arthritis, diabetes, nerve and circulatory disorders can show their initial symptoms in the feet, so foot ailments can be your first sign of more serious medical problems.

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, only a small percentage of the population is born with foot problems. Generally, neglect and a lack of awareness of proper care - including ill-fitting shoes - bring on foot problems.

Women have about four times as many foot problems as men; lifelong patterns of wearing high heels often are the culprit.

When walking there are times when the pressure on your feet exceeds your body weight; when running, it can be three or four times your weight.