Are there some shoes that are a lot worse for your feet than others?
From the moment footwear moved from being solely functional and opportunistic designers saw the potential in making shoes into fashion statements, healthcare professionals have warned about the dangers. Choosing footwear based on current trends or to achieve a certain look has led to everything from blisters and heel pain to torn ligaments and increased risk of osteoarthritis.
According to Hillary Brenner, DPM, spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association,
“We podiatrists like to call it shoe-icide.”
“Shoe-icide” is a clever play on words and, no doubt, elicited a few chuckles when Dr. Brenner made her statement, but the damage that can result from designing shoes that feet were never meant to fit into is no laughing matter. It only makes sense that ill-fitting shoes or those that are the wrong size can lead to problems. That doesn’t seem to always be a primary consideration, though, since it is estimated that nearly nine out of ten women wear shoes that are too small, resulting in blisters, calluses, corns, bunions and other issues. This is also common in children, because their feet sometimes grow faster than parents can keep up with.
Certain Styles Carry Increased Risks
Proper sizing is not the only culprit. Different styles of footwear come with their own particular risks, although most share the likelihood that discomfort and pain are going to be present, as well as more serious and even permanent damage. Some of the worst offenders of these are:
- Ultra-high heels. Considering the well-documented studies on injuries and chronic bone deformity and nerve pain that result from wearing high heels, it might be assumed that heels would be getting shorter. In fact, it is just the opposite: high heels are getting higher all the time.
- Lower heels. Less height helps in that the stress centered on the ball of the heel is reduced, but all shoes with heels of any degree come with the potential of ankle sprains. This is especially true of lateral sprains where ligaments are over-stretched due to the foot rolling to the outside.
- Platform shoes. These are somewhat of a hybrid of high heels, but with rigid foot beds which prevent the foot from bending and taking a proper stop.
- Ballet flats. All the way on other side of the pendulum from high heels are ballet flats with no heel and no arch support, at all. While getting rid of elevated heels is helpful, lack of support for the arch interferes with proper functioning. Knee, hip and back problems can develop as a result, and this can also lead to plantar fasciitis.
- Pointy toes. Shoes that squeeze the toes together commonly cause nerve pain, bunions, blisters and hammertoes. Some women have actually experienced bruising underneath their toenails from the pressure.
- Flip flops. The ever-popular flip flop provides very little protection and little to no arch support. Anyone with plantar fasciitis or knee, hip or back problems would be advised to avoid what was originally intended to be worn only on the beach or poolside.
Despite what clever marketers would have you believe, it is possible to find footwear that not only provides healthy support but also looks good. Just keep in mind that, at a minimum, it should have a heel that is less than two inches high, be reasonably bendable and have a good arch support. This may not work for Lady Gaga, but the older you get the more you will appreciate these tips.
If you are looking for more specialized advice, the professionals at Country Foot Care are skilled podiatrists, offering individualized treatment plans and personal attention in a state-of-the-art facility. Plus, the Mineola and Williston Park locations each include a medical shoe store.
To schedule an appoint at any of our three Country Foot Care locations, Mineola, Patchogue or Williston Park, just call (516) 741-3338, or, if you prefer, use our online form by clicking here.
