Padding, Strapping & Taping
In a few different circumstances, shoes can be uncomfortable. For example, sometimes we wear shoes that are aesthetically pleasing such as smart business shoes or stilettos, or endurance training in sports shoes may result in a number of issues such as corns, bursae, blisters, skin discolouration and calluses.
have launched three different types of lightweight foot pads (toe pad, long pad and the large oval pad) made from fleecy web and hypoallergenic glue. We’re talking you through step-by-step of how to use each of them.
Firstly, we will start with ‘toe pads’ which are mostly used on the fifth toe for people wearing high heels or tight-fitting shoes. The shape of these cushioned stickers have commonly been described as a spaceship or pirate hat and due to this when placed on the toe, the sticker can avoid the toenail which is very important. This allows the toenail to breathe. Furthermore, the placement of this sticker can be placed between the toes to prevent friction and soft corns forming. This cushioned toe pad distributes the pressures between the toes which makes wearing tight-fitting shoes more bearable.
Secondly, ‘long pads’ have a rectangular shape which helps to prevent calluses along the edge of the foot and on the sole of the foot. This foot sticker is commonly used for occupations such as tennis players, endurance runners, and footballers. For example, these particular stickers have been used by athletes that have climbed Mt. Everest and across the Pole from East to West as they are such lightweight products and a quick-fix when wearing uncomfortable footwear.
Also, some people can get a line of hard skin underneath the forefoot in between the first and second metatarsal head which can feel like a burning sensation which then becomes splayed. This can happen if you are wearing shoes that put pressure at the front of your foot or you are an athlete and have a burning sensation here from the added stress to this foot area.
The ‘long pads’ can be a quick fix when introducing insoles as it can take a couple of weeks to adjust to this new change. Sometimes it can annoy the back of the heel when patients are fitted with an orthotic and the long pad is perfect to avoid any friction and blisters when placed across the back of the heel.
Another tip for people that have one foot slightly larger than the other (which is extremely common), is to place a long pad on the back of the heel on the slightly smaller foot when wearing shoes so that it is not too spacious and the foot will not move around too much and create friction resulting in blisters.
Lastly, the ‘large oval pads’ can be used in various ways for bigger problem areas on the foot such as the heel, arch and sole.
A professional tip to relieve heel pain from Chief Podiatrist Michelle Champlin is to place half of the oval pad on your heel, then pull the other half of the sticker tightly and secure it by sticking it on the achilles heel. Similarly, you can also use it as an arch support for a quick fix solution. Place half of the oval pad under the arch and pull the other half up over the inner part of your foot. These foot stickers do not stretch and lose the support so it allows the distribution of the pressure, relieving the tension and discomfort.
Moreover, if you are wearing high heels and experience chafing underneath your foot, the large oval pads are a lifesaver halfway through an event. Likewise a sport with a stop/start motion such as tennis, netball or squash creates a lot of friction underneath the metatarsals on the skin.
Finally, if you have feet with high arches then a lot of the time the top area of your foot will undergo a lot of pressure from shoes, chafing the skin. The oval pad is perfect to place on the top of your foot to avoid this from happening.
For appointments and other queries:
Call: +971 4 3435390
WhatsApp: +971 50 355 3024
Call: +971 4 3435390
WhatsApp: +971 50 355 3024
7 comments
DavidZes
December 2, 2021 at 11:57 pm
Nice idea
Dubai Podiatry Centre
December 5, 2021 at 1:42 pm
Hello,
Thank you for your kind comment
Regards, DPC
Kazkzrdror
March 15, 2023 at 11:21 pm
Cool, I’ve been looking for this one for a long time
Rogerevova
March 30, 2023 at 11:03 pm
Hello.
Dubai Podiatry Centre
April 5, 2023 at 9:42 am
hi there, thank you for your message. You can message our medical team on 050 355 3024 WhatsApp – they will be able to help you with your queries.Kind Regards, Dubai Podiatry Centre
IplsieSnamp
March 31, 2023 at 4:05 pm
Thanks, +
TobiasKig
March 31, 2023 at 8:13 pm
Thanks, I’ve been looking for this for a long time