Uggs, Similar Boots Can Cause Health Issues
BOSTON (CBS) - Uggs, and boots that look like them, are a fashion must for most women today.
By all accounts, they're comfortable and warm. But some women are experiencing foot problems after wearing them.
One woman told us she loves her Uggs because they keep her feet "ridiculously warm." Another said they are very comfortable and she can wear them when she feels lazy.
WBZ-TV's Paula Ebben reports.
Uggs started the trend of the fur lined and flat footed boot, but now there are all kinds of similar styles on the market.
Dr. Neil Frankel, a podiatrist, says that some women are now getting too much of a good thing, however. "Because they are standing on them for long periods of time, they're getting foot strain, tendon sprain."
Doctor Frankel says, on average, he sees about two patients a week who come to him with injuries caused by this style of boot.
"They're coming in with swelling, inflammation, and difficulty in standing and basically they realize it's because of the shoe," said Frankel.
The most common problems occur in people with flat feet, which is about 20%-30% of the population.
People can be born with flat feet, or they develop them later in life due to obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, or arthritis.
Strains and pains from wearing these boots might not show up until the next day, or even weeks later.
One woman said the boots "sometimes hurt my feet because I walk so much in the city."
Another problem can develop from walking inside as well. Some women keep these boots on all day long, and they cause the feet to get too hot.
"They're getting what's called hyperhydrosis," explained Dr. Frankel. "It's an excessive amount of sweating that occurs on the feet because they're just not getting enough air."
The result can be fungal infections on the feet, and between the toes.
Dr. Frankel advises his patients to "let the boots air out and not wear them every day."
Common treatments when problems due occur are ice and an anti-inflammatory. In severe cases, physical therapy may be necessary.
Another option is to try adding an arch support.
