Watch what you put on your feet!
Shoes can be a huge fashion statement! However, some shoes are a lot worse for your feet than others. Many types of popular spring and summer shoes can cause some serious problems for your feet and the rest of your body. Ultra high heels, flip-flops and pointy-toed shoes may be stylish, but they are at the top of the list of worst shoes for your foot and ankle health!
Haglund’s deformity, or pump bump, is a common aliment amount those who wear ultra high heeled shoes. This is a painful bump on the back of the heel that can lead to blisters, swelling, and even pain in the Achilles tendon. Ice, orthotics, and heel pads can help mitigate the discomfort. High heels also force your feet into an unnatural position that puts too much pressure on your foot, especially the toes. All that pressure can inflame the bones or nerves by the pressure. Swap your high heels for lower heels to help avoid problems with your toes. The lower you go, the more comfortable you will be.
Flip-flops are one of the worst offenders. They increase the risk of splinters or other foot injuries and provide no arch support. The risk of developing plantar fasciitis is also increased when wearing flip-flops. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot. Without the arch support, the plantar fascia can become inflamed, a spur can form or it could possibly tear. This condition can cause intense heel pain and rest will only temporarily help. Try purchasing better “fitted” flops. They act like fitted sandals, providing support when walking. The thick sole will help keep your foot away from the ground, and they have very good arch support.
Lastly, avoid wearing pointy-toed shoes. Bunions, a bump on the side of the foot at the base of the big toe, are a very common consequence of wearing these shoes. It forms when tissue or bone gets displaced, like when the shoes squeeze your toes. These shoes can push your toes together and cause other deformities, like as hammertoes. Surgery may be necessary to relieve the pain of these deformities. The best thing you can do is purchase shoes with a wider toe box. The wide room for your toes prevents crowding and can reduce the risk of these side effects.
If you have questions about your shoes and foot problems contact Dr. Bass at Central Jersey Foot and Ankle Care in Manalapan, NJ. Please feel free to make an appointment for a consultation and thorough foot examination by calling (732) 866-4411 or visiting our website.