The Link Between Bad Shoes & Heel Pain
Your feet are the foundation of your entire body, so it's essential to take care of them. The right pair of shoes can make a big difference in your overall health and wellbeing. Wearing shoes that fit well and support your arches can help you stay active and pain-free. However, wearing the wrong type of shoes can cause problems, including foot pain and injuries. To avoid these issues, it's important to choose your shoes carefully.
There are many different types of surfaces we walk on every day. Some are hard and flat, while others offer a bit more flexibility and cushioning. Depending on the surface, we can put a lot of stress on our feet, which can cause problems. That's why it's important to find a shoe with the proper arch and heel support to keep our feet healthy.
How could a shoe be causing your heel pain?
The shoes are a bad fit - Wearing shoes that are the wrong size or shape is more common than you may think. Shoes that are too big, small, wide or narrow can cause a number of problems such as pain from pinching or rubbing, lack of support and even changing your gait pattern. Sadly, those with especially wide or narrow feet often have the most difficulty finding shoes that fit well.
You are wearing the incorrect shoes for your activities or lifestyle - There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to choosing the right shoes. While high heels, ballet flats and flip flops all have their place, it is important to select footwear based on the activity you will be participating in. Shoes with inadequate cushioning and not much support can lead to pain, so it is best to avoid wearing them on a day-to-day basis. This also applies if you are involved in sports like basketball, tennis, running or even if you just have an active lifestyle. Wearing the correct footwear for the job will help ensure your feet stay healthy and pain-free.
Your shoes are too old and worn out - There comes a time in every shoe's life when it must be retired. No matter how much we love our favourite pair of shoes, eventually, they will start to show signs of wear and tear. The soles will become thinner, reducing the amount of cushioning and grip. If you find yourself experiencing more foot pain when wearing your regular shoes, it may be time to say goodbye.
What should you do before buying new shoes?
To find the perfect pair of shoes, follow these simple tips! With a little effort, you can be on your way to finding shoes that are both comfortable and stylish.
Don't purchase your shoes online - When shopping for shoes online, it is important to keep in mind that you cannot try the shoes on before buying them. This can be risky, as it is difficult to know if the shoes will fit properly without physically trying them on.
Purchase your shoes later in the day or after activity - It's important to try on shoes later in the day, or after periods of activity, because your feet will have naturally swollen by then. This way you can be sure that the shoes will always fit, no matter what time of day it is.
Ensure you always measure your feet - Your feet will not only swell during the day, but also change size and shape over time. This can be due to a number of factors, such as weight gain or loss, pregnancy, age, or even simply the type of shoes you wear. No matter the cause, it's important to be aware of how your feet are changing so you can take steps to protect them and make sure your shoes fit perfectly.
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a shoe. The length and width are both important, but the width is especially crucial. Make sure the shoe fits snugly around the heel so it doesn't slip when you walk. If it's uncomfortable, it's probably the wrong size, the myth that your shoes just need breaking in is nearly always incorrect.
You must find shoes that fit well and feel comfortable from the start. There should be enough room at the front of the shoe so that your toes don't feel cramped, and you should be able to press down on the area between the front of the shoe and your longest toe without feeling any tightness. Breaking in a new pair of shoes is never a guarantee of comfort, so it's always best to choose shoes that feel good from the beginning.
A good pair of shoes can make a big difference in your life, but sometimes foot pain is caused by a structural abnormality in the feet, not by your shoes. In that case, you may need help from a professional to analyze your gait and figure out the cause of the pain.
If your feet are in pain, it's time to see a podiatristoothut.co.uk/contact-us. Foot pain is never normal, and a podiatrist can help resolve the issue and prevent it from happening again.
*This blog contains general information about medical conditions and is not advice. You must not rely upon the information in this blog as medical advice. Medical advice should always be sought from an appropriately qualified podiatrist such as ourselves.