How to select footwear that minimizes pain
One in every seven Americans have trouble with their feet. What’s it from? Shoes that don’t fit right.
Improper footwear causes foot issues include blisters, bunions, corns, plantar fasciitis, ingrown toenails, warts and more. Beyond foot problems, improper shoes can also cause issues in other parts of the body. These include numbness in our legs, poor balance, increased risk of falling and low back pain.
When choosing your shoes, there are many specifications to consider. Below is a full list of footwear specifications to pay attention. However, if you can’t remember everything from this list, remember this: your feet should never feel forced to conform to the shape of your shoes.
Tips for selecting proper footwear
- Durable construction – protect your feet and keep them comfortable. Wearing shoes that have a thin or weak sole can fail to offer proper support. These shoes also put you at risk for harm from stepping on glass and other hazardous objects.
- Breathable natural material – A breathable material helps keep feet from excessive sweating and also prevents blisters. For dress shoes, leather is a good material.
- Regular measurement – Get both of your feet measured when you purchase shoes, as your foot size increases with your age. Because of this, it’s common for one foot to be longer or wider than the other.
- Account for feet sizes changing throughout the day – When purchasing new shoes, it’s best to try them on at the end of the day. Feet tend to swell throughout the day and may be largest at night.
- Try shoes on when sitting and standing – There should be a ½ inch space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe when you are standing.
- Beware of heel height – Heels more than three inches can put seven times the pressure on the ball of your foot. Choosing a lower heel or a chunky heel helps distribute weight more evenly.
Have you tried all these tips but still experiencing foot pain? It could be an issue beyond your footwear. Reach out to find a doctor near you today.
