Did you know that 75% of Americans are wearing shoes that are harming their feet? Unfortunately, it’s true. And that’s why today’s post is going to teach you things about your shoes that will change how you think about footwear forever. Just check out these hidden dangers in your shoes that, without intervention, will destroy your feet in so many damaging ways.
Shoes and Foot Pain: What’s the Connection
Just last week a patient came into our Houston podiatry practice with severe foot pain. She thought she was wearing the right shoe size because she was in the same size she’d worn for years. But what Dr. Andrew Schneider discovered was shocking: her shoes were actually causing three separate foot deformities…and she had no idea! So, how could she have realized the problem sooner? With these signs that shoes are damaging your feet!
Could Your Shoes Be Damaging Your Feet? ![a woman with a bunion trying to put on her shoe]()
Your shoes could be the problem if you notice any of these warning signs:
1. Numbness of tingling, especially in your toes. Many people think that this is normal, but here’s what’s actually happening: your shoes are compressing vital nerves in your feet. This compression can lead to a painful condition called Morton’s neuroma, where the nerve between your toes becomes permanently damaged. Think of it like a garden hose: when you step on one, the water can’t flow. And the same thing is true of your foot when your shoes are too tight. Over time, the pressure causes the nerve to thicken and become painful. Once that damage occurs, it’s much harder to treat.
2. Your toes can no longer spread when you walk. Your toes should be able to spread naturally when you walk. When they can’t you’re at an increased risk for developing bunions and hammertoes. These aren’t just cosmetic issues; they can lead to chronic pain, and even affect your balance and stability.
3 Warning Signs That Shoes are Damaging Your Feet
Take a moment, right now, and look at your shoes and feet. If you notice any of these three things, your shoes could be increasing your risk for foot pain and deformities. Problems are afoot if:
1. Your toes are squeezed together
2. The widest part of your foot bulges over the sole
3. You see indentation marks on your feet after removing your shoes
Notice any of these warning signs? You need to take action immediately!
How to Keep Shoes from Damaging Your Feet Without Tossing Your Favorite Styles
We know you need to wear attractive shoes. Maybe you even have a professional dress code that dictates some of your shoe choices. Well, don’t worry: you don’t need to wear orthopedic shoes or toss out all your favorite footwear in order to protect your feet. Instead, you can choose shoes that protect your feet while still looking great. And here’s how to do just that:
Picking Shoes that Support Your Feet
When shopping for any pair of shoes, there are three features you must look for:
1. A wide enough toe box to allow your toes to spread naturally
2. Proper arch support to distribute pressure evenly
3. The right heel-to-toe drop for your foot
But here’s something else that most shoe stores won’t tell you: your shoe size can actually change throughout your adult life. That’s why we offer comprehensive shoe evaluations in our office. During these evaluations, we don’t just measure your foot like they do at the shoe store. Instead, we analyze your entire foot structure; walking patterns; and pressure points. This allows us to identify potential problems before they become painful conditions. And that can prevent some of the problems that develop when you wear shoes that damage your feet.
What Happens When the Shoe Doesn’t Fit
Wearing the wrong shoes for your feet? Over time, your feet can develop compensatory movements that may lead to painful conditions. These include:
1. Plantar fasciitis, causing severe pain in the arch and heel. First, this simply causes heel pain in the morning, but over time it can become a chronic source of pain with every step you take.
2. Bunions, a painful prominence in the side of the great toe joint. This makes the foot wider and causes you to feel more pressure from your shoes, causing worsening pain.
3. Tailor’s bunions, or bunionettes. These are just like bunions, expect they form at the base of your fifth toe.
4. Haglund’s deformity, a painful bump at the back of your heel. This often forms due to a bone spur on the back of your heel bone. It can be irritated by rubbing from the back of your shoes. In some cases, the pressure of any shoe makes it too painful to put on closed-back footwear.
Each of these conditions become progressively harder to treat the longer you wait.
Beyond Shoes: Adding the Super Power of Custom Orthotics
For many of our patients, custom orthotics have become a game-changer. These aren’t the generic insoles that you can find at the drug store. Instead, custom orthotics are precisely crafted to your foot’s unique structure, providing uniform support and stability exactly where you need it.
If you’re experiencing any of the warning signs that shoes are damaging your feet, don’t wait until that damage becomes permanent. Instead, request an appointment for a comprehensive shoe evaluation. We’ll analyze your current footwear, measure your feet properly and create a personalized plan to protect your foot health.
