Have you ever suffered from painful, aching feet? Chances are good that your answer is yes. Foot pain is a common complaint for people of all ages, from teens involved in sports to seniors enjoying a walk around the block.
Foot pain can stop you in your tracks, but the cause of your pain could be as simple as wearing the wrong shoes. At The Foot & Ankle Specialists, Lisa K. Burson, DPM and Joe Aoun, DPM specialize in diagnosing and treating foot pain.
We help people of all ages live comfortable, active lives with less pain. Your footwear could be the culprit of your foot pain if you regularly wear…
Your feet and toes move and flex when you walk. Tight shoes restrict this natural motion in your step, contributing to a range of painful foot issues. When your feet are in tight shoes, your toes are more likely to rub together, and your skin may rub against your socks and the material of the shoes.
Wearing shoes that squeeze your toes can cause painful, chronic conditions like bunions, hammertoes, and corns and calluses. Tight shoes can also cause ingrown toenails or toenail fungus because your feet can’t breathe. Shoes that are tight in the midfoot and heel may cause blisters, heel pain, and more.
High heels might be the first type of shoe that comes to mind when you think of foot pain and with good reason. Heels force your feet to bear the weight of your body on the balls of your feet, rather than on the soles.
When it comes to high-heeled shoes, the worst culprits are those with:
Foot pain is common when wearing high heels, but these shoes can also cause chronic foot issues. Heels increase your risk of spraining your ankle. Years of wearing high-heeled shoes can cause shortened tendons, bunions, pinched nerves, and hairline fractures in your feet.
Just because a shoe is flat doesn’t mean it’s good for your feet. Flip flops, ballet flats, and some sneakers contribute to foot pain just like high heels can, because they lack crucial support.
Flats and sneakers without arch support or shock absorption put extra strain on the balls and heels of your feet. Wearing very flat shoes can increase your risk of heel pain, plantar fasciitis, and even stress fractures.
Flat shoes with open backs, like flip flops and mules, can pose increased risk because there’s no ankle support. Shoes without ankle support make sprains, strains, and ankle pain more likely, particularly if you’re on your feet a lot while wearing them.
Choosing the best shoe for you goes beyond what looks best with your outfit. However, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style to have healthy, pain-free feet.
Dr. Burson and Dr. Aoun are experts in assessing your foot shape and offering options to prevent and treat pain. We can help you find supportive shoes that fit your feet well, and we offer custom orthotics for more severe foot conditions.
If you have foot pain, don’t overlook the importance of the right shoes. Schedule an appointment with our team at The Foot & Ankle Specialists for the best in personalized foot care.
