Avoid Common Foot Problems with Properly-Fitted Shoes

One of the most neglected parts of the body is the feet. Every day, your feet go through considerable stress to help carry your weight in motion. Because of the heavy load, the feet are at high risk of injury. In fact, the feet are at greater risk of injury more than most parts of your body.

With at least 50 tendons and ligaments, 26 bones, 42 muscles and 33 joints, the feet must be kept in optimal condition so that the strong tissues keep functioning properly. Therefore, it is imperative that properly-fitted shoes are worn in order to avoid certain foot issues.

Poor Shoe Choices

Poor-fitting shoes are often the primary cause of foot pain. Likewise, various foot problems can develop because of poor-fitting shoes. Some of these problems include ingrown toenails, corns and calluses, blisters, mallet and claw toes, bunions and hammertoes. To maintain healthy feet, there are certain shoes that you should avoid wearing. According to WebMD, the worst shoes for your feet are:

Ultra-High Heels – these shoes lead to everything from ankle sprains to chronic pain.

Pump Bump – the Pump Bump comes in high and medium sized heel. They often can cause a painful knot on the back of the heel.

Stilettos – extra narrow heels isolates your weight onto one area which causes your balance to be off centered. In result, there is an increased risk of tripping and spraining your ankle.

Shoes with an Unnatural Foot Position – Extreme-high heels force the feet into a position that places stress on the ball of the foot. Excessive pressure is put on the long metatarsal bones, small sesamoid bones and phalanges (toe bones). Too much pressure can cause the surrounding nerves and bones to become inflamed. Additionally, chronic stress to the foot bones can lead to hairline fractures.

Platform Shoes – platform shoes and wedges generally have very stiff and ridged foot beds. Because there is no yield with the foot bed platform, your gait will be unnatural and unbalanced. In addition, the shoe will put pressure on the metatarsal bones if the platform heel is a lot higher than the toe.

Ballet Flats – these shoes have no arch support. In addition, they keep the feet from functioning correctly which may lead to hip, knee and back issues. As well, poor arch support may lead to painful plantar fasciitis.

Wrong Size Shoes – wearing the wrong size shoe can cause many foot issues like blisters, calluses, corns, bunions and other issues. As well, continuous rubbing can aggravate the foot joints and lead to arthritis.

Flip Flops – these shoes offer inadequate protection for your feet. Wearing flip-flops puts your feet at risk of getting splinters and other foot injuries. Moreover, most physicians caution diabetics about wearing flip-flops. This is because the feet are easily cut. In turn, the scrape or cut can get infected or lead to serious complications.

Pointy Toes – these types of shoes have a tendency to squeeze the entire front of your foot together. Eventually, the constriction can cause blisters, nerve pain, hammertoes and bunions. Bruises can also form under the toenail, especially if there is constant pressure

Healthy Options

There are various shoe options that are healthy for your feet and also stylish. Some of best types of shoes for healthy feet include:

Lower Heels – opt for shoes with a lower heel. This can reduce injury to the metatarsal bones. In fact, the lower the heel, the better. Most foot specialists agree that heels should be no larger than 2 inches high.

Wide Toe Box – to avoid pointy toes, select shoes that are boxier. Also, a softer material instead of stiff leather is a more comfortable choice.

Solid Heels – opt for heels that have more surface area and distribute your weight evenly. Your feet will be a lot more stable and reduce the risk of tripping when compared to stilettos.

Orthotic Inserts – if you love flat-soled shoes like ballet flats, invest in a good pair of inserts. Orthotic inserts may prevent minor foot pain, add extra cushion for arched heels and decrease pressure on sensitive areas.

‘Fitted’ Flops – if you cannot live without flip-flops, consider getting fitted flops. These shoes are designed to help support your ankles and have a seal of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association (AMPA).

Flatter Platforms – if you insist on platform shoes then select types that have a flatter platform. Best options for this type of shoe are with a wide wedge or a platform close to being parallel with the ground.

A Better Pump – the pump style shoe is not the best option. If you insist on pumps then select types with reinforced heels, plenty of toe room and athletic shoe structure.

Where the Proper Size – you should always buy shoes that fit your feet. Have a professional measure your feet if you are not sure of your size.

American Foot & Leg Specialists

Taking care of your feet by wearing properly-fitted shoes is essential for keeping your feet healthy and pain-free. If you are you unsure about which shoes to wear, it is recommended that you consult a foot specialist.

One of the primary foot specialists in south Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas is the expert team at American Foot & Leg Specialists. The highly knowledgeable team of podiatrists have more than 100 years of combined experience. American Foot & Leg Specialists assist patients from Atlanta and neighboring cities – Fayetteville, Forest Park, Stockbridge, East Point, Midtown, and Locust Grove to name a few. Located in the South Atlanta Metro area, American Foot & Leg Specialists have locations in Fayette County, Henry County, and Clayton County. The business hours are Monday thru Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Note: This article is not meant as professional medical advice. If you have medical concerns or questions about foot conditions, contact one of the professionals at American Foot & Leg Specialists.