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 The over-roomy shoe
A large, roomy toe-box means your entire feet will be swimming in it. This means that your feet can slip out easily and you are unstable wearing it.
The soft, rubber material causes the footwear to be caught easily between the side panels of escalators.
Although there have been no reports of adults involved in escalator accidents because of such shoes, several kids have been hurt.
 Slip-on slippers
Slippers, including flip-flops, have nothing to hold the ankle down and result in the tendency for the feet to keep moving forward until the toes hang outside the footwear.
As a result, the toes keep trying to grip the ground for stability. Over time, it may lead to foot deformities like hammer toes, a condition where the toes bend downwards like claws.
 Unstable sandals
Sandals with straps at the back, though better than slippers, also do not provide enough stability to the user.
This is because it does not fully cover the heel, which may shift from left to right as a person walks, making it hard for the elderly to balance.
A condition known as plantar fasciitis may develop. This is when there is pain in the heel area of the foot. It is a sign of inflammation of the band of tissue that runs from the heel along the arch of the foot.
 The overly soft shoe
If they are soft enough to be twisted, junk them. This is because soft shoes do not provide sufficient support. Podiatrists say soft shoes like these are popular among elderly women.
 Broad and loose flats
Flats or ladies’ pumps which are broad and loose at the sides do not provide sufficient support for the feet.
Sports shoes and sneakers
These best suit the elderly. Here are points to note when buying such shoes.
1 Shoes should have a fastening, preferably Velcro or a buckle. The elderly may have difficulty bending over and would find laces too difficult to tie.
2 Look for a deep toe box so that there is support for the forefoot and the toes are not squashed. There should be one thumb-width of space from the edge of the longest toe to the tip of the shoe. This will reduce foot
injuries when the shoe hits a hard surface.
 3 The shoe should be flexible and bendable only at the ball of the foot. This provides flexibility when a person is walking without compromising on support for the rest of the foot.
4 There should be adequate cushioning in the insole with a heel support of at least 1cm.
5 There should be a firm heel counter so that the heel stays in position in the footwear.
6 Choose shoes appropriate for an activity. For example, those who go jogging with their walking canvas shoes may suffer bone stress fractures as a result of the constant pounding on their feet. They should get a pair of sports shoes instead for more cushioning.
ST PHOTOS: MARYANNE TAN
SOURCE: MS JESSIE PHUA, PRINCIPAL PODIATRIST AT CHANGI GENERAL HOSPITAL; MS MELISSA PHUA, SENIOR PODIATRIST FROM THE FOOT CARE & LIMB DESIGN CENTRE AT TAN TOCK SENG HOSPITAL; MS KIN ISMAIL, THE HEAD OF PODIATRY AT THE SINGAPORE FOOTCARE CENTRE; AND MS MALIA HO, A PODIATRIST AT THE FOOT PRACTICE
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