Foot Health and Wearing the Right Sized Shoe
Are you wearing the right sized shoe? Wearing shoes that cause foot pain is unpleasant to say the least, but did you know it can lead to other issues as well? Research indicates that more than properly, which often results in nerve and joint issues, foot lesions and more.
Continue reading about the risks and symptoms often associated with wearing ill-fitting shoes and suggestions on how to avoid them. There is ongoing research that confirms wearing shoes that lack the proper fit often has a negative impact on overall health and quality of life.
#1 Foot Pain and Damage
Conditions such as hammer toe, calluses, ingrown toenails, and joint pain arise from wearing shoes that are too narrow. When shoes are too tight or not properly contoured to mold to the natural shape of the feet, each step you take will add pressure, which leads to damage and pain.
People with pre-existing foot conditions should be especially wary of wearing the wrong sized shoes, as well as those with health issues such as diabetes or arthritis and are already predisposed to swollen feet.
#2 Neuropathy
If you’ve ever experienced the sensation of numbness, pins and needles in your feet, you know how unpleasant it can be. This often occurs momentarily, when your foot falls asleep as a result of poor circulation. However, that uncomfortable sensation can also be incessant, if peripheral neuropathy ensues.
60% of people are walking around in shoes that don’t fit properly!
This chronic condition is often caused by underlying health conditions but tight fitting shoes can increase pressure and worsen the ailment and symptoms. Additionally, according to a study published by Wolters Kluwer Health, people who wear the wrong size shoes suffer from neuropathy and foot deformities including corns, lacerations, calluses, and bunions.
#3 Reduced Quality of Life
All too often, people wear shoes that are stylish, rather than comfortable and functional. Choosing to ignore or endure foot pain not only results in hurting feet, but wearing shoes that don’t offer much needed support and comfort can lead to back pain, poor balance, an increased risk of falling, and hinder mobility as you age.
Indications You’re Wearing the Wrong Sized Shoes
Finding the right sized shoes merely requires a visit to a local shoe store or taking measurements yourself. If you’ve encountered any of the following symptoms, it’s likely you’re wearing the wrong size shoes.
- Redness, soreness, or skin irritation near the toenails
- Unexplained bruising on your feet or toes
- Blisters
- Tenderness or calloused skin
Keep in mind that your shoe size can change throughout life, whether the rest of your body is growing or not. For instance, our feet often undergo changes as we grow older and experience changes in physical health or weight. Medical conditions routinely cause the feet to swell, as do medications and water retention. It’s also natural for the feet to become wider during the aging process as hormones fluctuate and tendons lose elasticity. Likewise, pregnancy and weight gain frequently require a larger shoe size.
VanHoecks Footwear specializes in shoes in extended widths and sizes for men and women. Contact us here or call us at 616.226.2600 for any of your shoe shopping needs. We look forward to serving you!
