3 Reasons Your Shoes May Be Causing Your Foot Problem
Nov 07, 2024
Foot pain can show up in different ways. It might start as a dull ache in your heels, a burning feeling across your arches, or sharp pains in your toes after a long day on your feet. No matter what form it takes, foot pain can make it tough to stay active and go about your day.
Of the many possible causes of foot pain, one of the most common is poor shoe choice.
Studies show that up to 30% of people experience foot pain at some point, with poor footwear being a significant contributing factor. Wearing the wrong shoes can lead to issues like bunions and calluses, as well as recurrent problems like plantar fasciitis and metatarsalgia.
If your shoes don’t have proper support and fit, or if you tend to use the wrong type of shoes for activities like sports, you’re at an increased risk of developing long-term foot problems.
At South Texas Foot Surgeons, PA, in San Antonio and Kerrville, Texas, our expert team specializes in diagnosing and treating a full scope of foot pain problems. We provide solutions like custom orthotics and personalized advice on footwear choices to help you treat and avoid shoe-related foot pain.
Here are three ways the wrong shoe choice can lead to foot pain, and what you can do about it.
The arch of your foot is designed to distribute weight evenly across your feet, helping absorb the impact of walking or standing. If your shoes don’t provide enough support, it stresses your plantar fascia, or the thick band of tissue that runs from your heel to your toes.
The extra stress can lead to plantar fasciitis, one of the most common causes of heel pain. The lack of support also causes your foot muscles to become overworked, leading to conditions like flat feet and posterior tibial tendonitis.
Wearing shoes with proper arch support is essential to prevent these issues, especially if you spend a lot of time on your feet. At South Texas Foot Surgeons, PA, we can help by designing custom orthotics made just for your feet. These orthotics provide much-needed supplemental support to help relieve pressure on your arches.
Wearing shoes that are too tight or loose can lead to many issues, many of which become long-term problems if not corrected. Shoes that don’t fit well can cause pressure points, irritate your skin, and lead to structural foot deformities over time.
Shoes that are too tight squeeze your toes together, increasing your risk of developing bunions, hammertoes, and even ingrown toenails. The friction between your foot and the shoe damages the skin, leading to corns, calluses, and blisters.
On the other hand, shoes that are too loose can cause your foot to move around inside the shoe, leading to metatarsalgia, a painful condition in the ball of your foot caused by repeated impact and pressure.
Your shoes should have enough room for your toes to move without feeling cramped, and provide enough structure to keep your foot from sliding around.
Whether you’re walking, running, or standing for long hours, your shoes need to be designed for that specific purpose to support your feet correctly.
For instance, wearing casual shoes or flip-flops while running or hiking can put undue stress on your feet. Shoes that aren’t designed to handle the impact of high-energy movements don’t offer the necessary support, which can lead to stress fractures, ankle sprains, or Achilles tendonitis.
Choosing the right shoes for a specific activity is crucial to preventing foot pain. Athletic shoes are designed to provide the cushioning and support needed for jobs that keep you on your feet all day as well as activities like running, walking, or other sports; more casual footwear may be suitable for everyday wear, but won’t offer the same level of protection.
Foot pain from improper shoes is more common than you think, but it’s also preventable. Whether your shoes lack support, don’t fit well, or aren’t suitable for the activities you enjoy, they can lead to serious foot problems.
If you’re experiencing unexplained foot pain, the South Texas Foot Surgeons, PA, team can help you get to the bottom of it. We’ll work with you to find a solution that keeps your feet healthy and comfortable. Call or click online to schedule a visit at your nearest office in San Antonio or Kerrville, Texas, today.