We have all heard the phrase “If the shoe fits…” Unfortunately though, too many people take that quite literally –assuming that if the shoe fits, they should wear it –regardless of if the shoes are hurting their feet.
Many people fail to pay attention to warning signs that their shoes might not be the right shoe for their feet. There are many factors that should go into the decision to buy a new pair of shoes –and simply selecting the first pair you see in your size is not always the best option.
Here are some of the dangers that can occur from poor fitting shoes.
- Make Bunions Worse
Bunions are the boney lumps that appear at the base of your big toe or on the side of your foot. They occur when the big toe is pushed out of position causing pressure against your other toes. Wearing poor-fitting shoes is one of the number one causes of bunions –even smaller bunions can be made worse by ill-fitting shoes.
- Cause Heel Pain
Heel pain is another common problem related to ill-fitting shoes. Improper footwear that don’t support your feet the way they should can lead to heel pain –both in the front and back of your heel.
- Cause Blisters, Corns and Calluses
When your shoes don’t fit properly, they rub against your skin –causing blisters, corns and calluses. Blisters, corns, and calluses can be painful and irritating.
- Increase Your Chances of Fungal Infections
Fungal infections –such as athlete’s foot can be prevented by wearing shoes that fit properly. Athlete’s foot can occur when your shoes are too tight –since the fungus thrives in warm, moist places –when your toes don’t have enough room to move –they can make the perfect breeding ground for fungal infections.
To help combat some of these serious issues –you should have your feet measured regularly, try shoes on before you purchase them and be sure that your shoes aren’t causing pain.
For more information on foot health contact Dr Lamarra of Shepherd Square Podiatry today.