Avoiding foot pain and feet related injuries starts with your choice of footwear. The perfect shoes for you that address your specific podiatry needs will ensure you can spend every day on your feet without the worries of feet, back or leg pain. In this article, we name the best and worst shoes for your feet, sharing with you the podiatrist point of view on the popular fashion footwear causing you pain, and the shoes every person should own.
Flip Flops / Thongs
Most people are aware that flip flops don’t provide your foot, legs or ankles with any support during movement, yet people persistently choose them over other shoe types. The result of wearing unsupportive shoes can lead to plantar fasciitis, an incredibly painful condition, and Achilles tendinitis. Such conditions, if exacerbated by poor footwear choice such as wearing flip flops and left untreated, can cause bone spurs or permanently damaged tendons and ligaments.
High Heels
While high heels will look stylish with evening wear, the height of the shoe causes significant change to the alignment of your body. What results from this change in alignment is added pressure to your body, leading to leg pain, hip pain and upper and lower back pain. Most people wearing high heels will observe pain to the ball of the foot due to the pressure build-up from the angle of the heel, which can deteriorate the foot’s natural padding over time. Pointed shoes can also cause similar pain, however, the pain is concentrated around the toes, as they become constricted during wear.
Flats – Unsupported flats like ballet or slides
Just like flips flops, fashion flat shoes with no ankle strap or enclosed structure provide little support to the ankle and feet. Without ankle straps and usually adequate padding, these types of shoes give little cushioning for the impact of walking or regular movement. This is also true for lightweight shoes that can easily be bent or twisted by hand, as they don’t provide enough structure to support the mechanics of the foot.
The best shoes for everyday wear
Our podiatrists will always recommend opting for shoes that provide you with maximum support for your ankles, while providing you padding and comfort, without restricting the toes. Styles that best cover your feet’s needs include athletic shoes, such as runners, walkers or cross trainers, and specific comfort constructed fashion shoes.
Are your shoes providing you with unbearable feet and ankle pain? Contact us today at Melville Wellness to discuss your pain issues, and discover how our Perth Podiatrists set you on the pain-free path!
