Asked to identify which shoes might cause foot problems, most of us will gravitate toward the obvious choices, like extremely high heels or shoes with a notably unusual shape. You might be surprised to learn that foot problems can stem from shoes that virtually everyone considers normal or even beneficial.
At Artisan Podiatry, we see patients of all ages with a wide range of foot health issues. Very often, these problems were caused or worsened by their footwear choices. Shazia Amar, DPM, is here today to talk about the many ways footwear can impact foot health and how you can choose shoes that will keep your feet healthy and happy.
Everyone knows that high heels are likely to cause foot issues. That’s because a higher heel changes the distribution of weight across the entire foot. Your body weight shifts forward toward your toes, placing undue pressure on your toe joints and the ball of your foot.
Heels can also cause issues when the toe box is too narrow, leaving your toes too little room. The combination of excess pressure on the front of your foot and cramped toes can lead to foot pain and even permanent disfigurement over time.
But high heels are not the only offenders among potentially dangerous footwear.
When it comes to purchasing a pair of athletic shoes, the range of choices is nothing short of overwhelming. Aside from the aesthetics of your trainers, there are numerous aspects of active footwear to consider.
Does the heel area offer the support and stability needed to keep your heels from sliding during movement? Is there enough arch support to keep your feet in a healthy position? Is the cushioning sufficient to absorb some of the shock as you walk, run, or jump?
All of these factors can work either in your favor or against you. The best way to find a great pair of athletic shoes is to shop in a store staffed by trained professionals who can help you assess the fit and function of various options.
We’ve all stood in a store and contemplated an amazing pair of shoes that are just ever-so-slightly too large or too small. While it can be tempting to purchase shoes that are a bit outside of your size range, doing so can cause problems down the road.
Shoes that are too loose don’t offer the support your feet need as you move through the day. As your feet slide around in your shoes, the skin can experience excessive friction, leading to blisters and calluses. The muscles in your feet will have to continually adjust to try to compensate for the poor fit.
If you find a pair of shoes you love that are just a bit too tight, you might be able to stretch them with shoe-stretching devices. These devices can only do so much, though, so if you’re more than a half size away from a comfortable fit, you should probably keep shopping.
Studies show that the choices you make regarding your current footwear can have long-term impacts on your foot health. So don’t be tempted to think that you can get away with wearing ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or shoes that lack the proper support for years on end.
Eventually, the damage caused by poor footwear choices will manifest as foot pain or structural problems such as bunions, hammertoes, or other issues. So take a proactive stance on your foot health and choose shoes that help, not hurt, your feet. Your future self will thank you.
If you’re experiencing foot pain or other issues, we invite you to come in for a diagnostic work-up. The Artisan Podiatry team can help you learn to identify the best shoes for your foot shape and activities, and discuss whether custom orthotics might be helpful.
Online booking is available around the clock, but you can also call our office during normal business hours to check appointment availability.
