Buying the right shoes is more important than making a fashion statement, there are many health-related issues and foot problems that can occur from having shoes that don’t fit properly.
The average person walks more than 115,000 miles in their lifetime. When you stop to think about how far that really is –you understand the importance of finding the right shoes. Too often, though, people preference fashion over fit –and squeeze their feet into shoes that are too tight or offer no support. This can lead to a host of foot problems.
Let’s look at a few problems that wearing tight shoes can cause.
- Hammer Toes
Hammer toes can be caused by shoes that are too tight. If your feet are crammed into shoes that are too small, the joints will bend up and start to curl instead of lying flat. If left too long, the muscles will weaken. This is often the result of wearing shoes that have a tight toe box.
- Bunions
Bunions are enlargements of the bone or tissue surrounding the joint of the big toe. While genetics may play a role in bunions, more often than not wearing shoes that are too tight causes them.
- Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails can be caused by improperly cut toenails, but shoes that are too tight can also contribute to this condition. Forcing your feet into shoes that are too tight puts abnormal pressure on the nail, which can cause them to become ingrown –resulting in nail pain and inflammation.
- Corns and Calluses
Both corns and calluses can be caused by shoes that don’t fit properly. Shoes with narrow toe boxes, like high heels, are the worst offenders.
Don’t let fashion alone dictate your shoe choices. Make sure the shoes that you wear fit well, and offer proper support. Your feet will thank you!
If you are looking for a podiatrist in the Houston area, contact Houston podiatrist Dr Lamarra of Shepherd Square Podiatry today.
Tags: Foot Care, Prevention, Toe