People may think that selecting proper and well-fitting footwear is not of that importance as selecting footwear has become more of a wardrobe necessity and fashion accessory. Selecting the right pair of shoes can help keep your feet stay healthy and keep your body safe from injury.
Shoes should cushion and support your feet evenly, feel comfortable and fit well.
Common Problems with Bad Footwear:
Blisters: These are typical symptoms of wearing ill-fitting shoes. They will be painful, causes blisters that might take weeks to heal, and leaves scarred and discolored skin behind.
Nail problems: Improper footwear sometimes can actually cause fungal infections that are unsightly as they cause your toenails to become brittle and discolored.
There is a huge risk of wearing shoes with a pointed toe box, which places pressure on the side of the toes and can actually push your skin to your nail plate which may develop an ingrown nail.
Corns: These are often caused by prolonged pressure being exerted on a specific part, your feet or toes. Corns are dead, hard skin that can develop over a bony prominence, such as on the side of your feet or toes. They are very painful and attach themselves to soft tissues, which makes it difficult to remove them.
Bunions: Tight pointy shoes and ill-fitting shoes are the root cause of bunions. A bone-like bump forms at the base of your big toe, causing the toes to turn inwards and are very painful.
Joint pain: Uncomfortable shoes or high-heeled shoes can cause you to adjust your walking pattern and as a result, you will have extremely sore ankles.
When your footwear does not have the proper support, your knees can be forced to bend more to help reduce the shock your feet experience with each step you take.
Posture problems: Since our shoes play an important role in the alignment of our body and maintaining the posture. Not wearing proper, well-fitting shoes can cause stiffness and changes in your posture.
Back Pain: Wearing high heels for a prolonged time can cause lumbar intervertebral disc compression which leads to lower back pain.
Nerve damage: Tight or narrow shoes can often lead to numbness or excessive tingling in your feet which are symptoms of serious nerve damage.
Benefits of Choosing a Proper Footwear:
The importance of choosing proper footwear can’t be overlooked. Having protective footwear with the correct fit is essential for overall health and comfort. Whether your workout involves running, walking, sports or gym equipment, a decent sports shoe is a must as they prevent foot and ankle damage, and makes your workout a more pleasant and comfortable experience.
Wearing proper running shoes not only provides substantial midsole foot cushioning, but also offers arch support, aids in the prevention of injuries, and can promote improved activities of daily living and athletic performance.
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Shoes are specified for certain sports for a reason. For example, a stiff-soled shoe is usually recommended for cycling to better transfer power to the pedal and keep your foot stable.
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Proper footwear for cold weather can prevent frostbite.
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If you have a heavy labor job, safety footwear made from sturdy and durable materials can prevent nasty burns from chemical splashes, crush injury, and other dangerous substances that could injure your feet.
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A wide toe box can help your toes to splay out naturally so they don’t rub against each other or against the shoe.
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A good pair of diabetic shoes will minimize irritation and protect the feet from outside elements. Diabetic shoes are closed and a little wider so that wide or oddly shaped feet will fit comfortably in the shoe and minimize pressure points and spots where skin irritation could occur.
Takeaway
Proper footwear is something that people nowadays overlook as fashion has become more than comfortable. Good footwear plays important role in proper posture, gait, and balance of your body. It is common for one foot to be larger than the other, and your foot size and shape can change as you age.
Talk to a healthcare professional (such as an orthopedic specialist or a podiatrist) about any problems with your feet or footwear so that you can have a problem-free and active life.
Carolina Regional Orthopaedics provides the most effective, modern, and innovative techniques in both Orthopedic Surgery and Pain Management using proven methodologies in both the surgical and non-surgical treatment of all conditions affecting the spine, upper extremities, and lower extremities. We specialize in hand and wrist surgery, joint replacements, sports medicine, trauma care, pediatric orthopedics, pain management, wound care, regenerative medicine, physical therapy, imaging services, and EMG testing.