Shoe Pain Getting you Down?
Shoe Pain Getting you Down?
By Gavin Badyal, Chiropodist
Do your feet hurt after you wear a particular pair of shoes?
Shoes that do not provide adequate support and stability for the foot are classified as improper footwear. The resulting pain and discomfort from improper footwear can lead to foot conditions that could otherwise be avoided. Take time now to evaluate your shoes. Ask yourself the following questions:
Do your shoes fit?
You should have your feet measured yearly. Feet grow as we age. Also, shop for shoes at the end of the day when your feet are at their largest. Remember, your shoes should fit your feet. You should not have to make your feet fit the shoe!
Are they worn out? How long have you had your shoes?
If the structure of your shoe has been compromised due to wear and tear, it is time to replace them. Shoes that do not provide proper support can lead to ankle sprains and heel pain.
Is the width of the toe box adequate?
There should be plenty of room for your toes at the end of your shoes as well as across the top of the forefoot. Avoid pointy shoes and those with a narrow toe box. Having scrunched toes can lead to bunions, hammertoes and ingrown toenails.
Are your shoes appropriate for the activity you are engaged in?
Make sure that you are wearing the proper shoes for the leisure and work activities in which you participate. Do your research to determine the best type and brand of shoe for your needs. It may be wise to visit a specialty store. By wearing activity-appropriate shoes, you will provide your entire body with the support it needs. There are countless combinations of features you can find in a shoe and by choosing the right one you can avoid ankle sprains, Achilles tendonitis, heel pain and many more complication.
Are you wearing high heels?
For everyday wear, avoid shoes that have heels higher than 2 ¼ inches. By raising the heel above your toes past a safe distance, you are applying massive amounts of force to the ball of your foot. This can result in metatarsalgia, mortons neuroma and many more complications.
What can footwear do to my feet?
Improper footwear can cause a number of foot conditions and aggravate others. Heel pain may be caused by improper cushioning and support. Hammertoes and bunions are caused by tight shoes that restrict the toes. This is especially true for high heels. Calluses and corns form when shoes rub against the foot.
An ingrown toenail and metatarsalgia are some additional conditions are associated with shoes that do not fit properly. With each condition, foot pain and discomfort is present. Left untreated, it may be painful to put shoes on in the morning. Don’t let improper footwear rob your foot health.
What can a foot specialist do for me?
Understanding the structure and condition of your feet will help you make wise footwear decisions. We at Kingsway Health will assess your feet, and discuss problem areas. For instance, you may have flat feet which require additional arch support for better foot health.
For more information or to book an appointment with Gavin Badyal or Nat Rave, please contact the office at 416-231-9502 or email info@kingswayhealth.ca