Homeowners everywhere are venturing outside to tend to all things lawn and garden. Getting those flowers to grow and keeping the lawn tamed to a reasonable height requires certain kinds of footwear, say Dr. Heidi M. Christie and Dr. Chanda L. Day-Houts, the expert podiatrists at Montgomery Foot Care Specialists in Montgomery County, Alabama.
Shoes matter out in the yard. Here are some issues to consider:
Mowing the lawn is one of the biggest hazards to your feet. Hundreds of thousands of Americans end up in the emergency room every year as victims of lawnmower injuries. Many of those injuries are to the lower limbs. Amputations are not uncommon. You can decrease your risk of becoming just another statistic by wearing the proper shoes. We recommend heavy work boots for maximum stability and protection. Stay away from sneakers and don’t even think about firing up a lawnmower with sandals or nothing at all on your feet.
Shoes wear out. Some people keep a favorite pair of shoes for many years, forgetting that shoes aren’t meant to last forever. “Ah, I have found my trusty gardening shoes,” they say, emerging from the back of a closet. “Behold my Crocs, covered in beautiful grass stains!” They clutch their gardening shoes as if greeting an old friend. Okay, we actually don’t know anyone who specifically clutches their Crocs to their chest. However, we do want to encourage you to unfriend any gardening shoes that are cracked, torn, cause heel pain, or make your feet hurt in any other way.
About those Crocs. Gardening clogs such as Crocs are breathable and waterproof. While they may be okay to wear while you do a bit of watering, they’re not a great choice for hours in the garden. The simple back strap doesn’t keep your heel stable. An unstable heel puts more strain on your toes, leading to tendinitis and toe deformities.
Give some thought to what you’re wearing on your feet as you garden or mow the lawn. The proper shoes can protect you from trips and falls, strains and sprains, overuse injuries, and tragic amputations. If your feet hurt from gardening, it may be shoe-related. Find out by making an appointment with us at our Montgomery podiatry office. Call us at (334) 396-3668 or contact us online.