Just because a shoe is fashionable doesn’t always mean it’s good for your feet. As women, this may be hard to hear, but most of the shoes we wear can lead to a number of foot problems.
Ultra High Heels
Heels seem to be getting higher and higher. The problem with high heels is they can cause ankle sprains and chronic foot pain.
Problem: Pump Bump
Whether the heel be utra-high or mid-heel, these types of shoes can cause a painful knot on the back of your heel, also known as the “pump bump”. Unfortunately, the bump is permanent. This bump is caused by the pressure high heels put on the back of the heel. This pressure can cause blisters, swelling, and pain in the achilles tendon.
You can try to relieve the pain with ice or heel pads. The best solution is to wear better shoes.
Problem: Unnatural Foot Position
Wearing high heels also puts your foot in an unnatural position which puts added pressure on the balls of your feet. Too much pressure can inflame the bones in this area or the nerves that surround them. Constant stress on these bones can lead to a hairline fracture.
Try switching to lower heels. Lower heels will help you avoid problems with your metatarsal bones. This also allows for a more natural foot position.
Problem: Ankle Sprains
High heels boost your chances of spraining your ankle. The most common sprain is the lateral sprain when you roll onto the outside of your foot. This type of sprain can stretch ligaments further than they’re supposed to go and can even tear them.
Stilettos
The problem with stilettos is their narrow heel. All your weight is pinpointed in one area making you more likely to trip and hurt your ankle.
To lessen the risk of hurting your ankle, try wearing chunky heels. These types of heels will distribute your weight more evenly.
Ballet Flats
Flats provide no kind of support for your feet. This can lead to knee, hip, and back problems. Poor arch support can also lead to plantar fasciitis.
Over the counter orthotic inserts can provide extra cushioning for achy heels. Orthotics provide arch support and reduce pressure on sensitive areas.
Flip Flops
Flip flops offer very little, if any, protection to your feet. Your risk of suffering a foot injury is higher when you wear flips flops. Just like ballet flats, flip flops provide little support for your feet and can lead to complications like plantar fasciitis.
Problem: Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fascia is a band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot. Walking in shoes with no arch support can stretch, tear, or inflame this tissue. This problem can cause intense heel pain.
A better alternative to regular flip flops are fitted flip flops. Sporty, fitted sandals are made for intense walking and have arch supports.
Pointy Toed Shoes
Shoes with pointed toes squeeze the entire front of your foot together. These kinds of shoes can cause nerve pain, bunions, blisters, or hammertoe.
Problem: Bunions
A bunion is a painful lump at the base of the big toe that forms when tissue or bone at the base of the joint gets displaced.
You can avoid the harmful effects of pointy toed shoes by choosing a more square toed shoe. Also try choosing a softer material other than leather.
We all know the pain of wearing heels after a long day or the soreness of walking for miles in ballet flats. Treat your feet right, and make sure next time you go shopping for a pair of shoes, they have the right amount of support for your feet.