There are many causes of foot pain and painful foot conditions will often develop as a result of overuse of the muscles and joints, such as in running injuries, or ageing, as the foot loses protective fat and becomes more fragile. However, most foot pain is connected with wearing footwear that is not supportive enough for your feet and making simple changes to the shoes you chose can make a big difference.
There are many causes of foot pain and painful foot conditions will often develop as a result of overuse of the muscles and joints, such as in running injuries, or ageing, as the foot loses protective fat and becomes more fragile. However, most foot pain is connected with wearing footwear that is not supportive enough for your feet and making simple changes to the shoes you chose can make a big difference.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the ways in which your footwear affects the comfort and health of your feet, and we’ll explore the options for existing foot pain. The most important thing to remember is that you should never compromise on comfort. We all want our shoes to look fantastic but if the feet are not comfortable, you’re just inviting a host of problems. Luckily, we have a great range of footwear at Foot Solutions that combines style and comfort to create the best of both worlds for your feet so read on to find out why this matters so much.
Incorrect Footwear Causes Foot Pain
If you are already experiencing pain in your feet, you will be aware that it can be debilitating and affect your mobility as well as your mood. Shoes that do not give your feet room to move or the correct support can lead to damage to the feet, some of which can be permanent. Bad footwear can aggravate problems such as:
- Plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is common amongst runners and is characterised by a severe pain in the heel. It is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, which runs from the toes to the heel, and this can become irritated when you run or walk wearing shoes that do not cushion the feet enough to offer shock absorption and protection.
- Morton’s Neuroma. Morton’s Neuroma is often described as a condition that feels like having a marble stuck in the shoe. It is an inflammation or irritation of the nerve endings between the bases of the first and second toes, and is often the result of wearing high heels, shoes that are too tight, or unsupportive shoes such as flip-flops.
- Bunions. Bunions are believed to have a genetic factor, but bad footwear is known to be a contributing factor, especially shoes that are too tight and crush the toes together, such as high heels. Bunions are created when structural damage to the foot occurs, leading to bony growth at the base of the big toe.
- Heel spurs. Heel spurs are caused when calcium deposits form in the heel area, leading to severe pain. These can be the result of repetitive strain in the same area, often due to over exercising or wearing the wrong shoes to exercise.
- Metartarsalgia. Metatarsalgia is a condition which causes pain in the ball of the foot, often as a result of running or taking part in other high impact activities while wearing shoes that are not supportive enough for the feet.
The good news is that you can reduce the discomfort of all of these conditions by changing to more supportive footwear that gives you a good amount of cushioning where you need it. In the case of structural damage to the foot, such as bunions and heel spurs, good footwear will help to relieve the pain and stop the condition from worsening.
Good Shoes Protect the Feet
When you are choosing footwear, it’s very important to consider how your feet will be supported and protected as you move. The following elements are all vital in good footwear:
- Arch support. The arch of the foot should be supported by the cushioning in your shoes, especially if you are running or working out. Good arch support can help to prevent serious foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis, which can stop you from moving freely, and can help to provide the support you need to recover from conditions such as this. Precision tailored orthotics can be useful if you are experiencing foot pain as these are designed to fit the contours of your unique foot shape and this can make a big difference to your comfort level.
- Room to move. Shoes that restrict the feet can cause many different problems, including calluses and blisters, as well as encouraging conditions such as bunions. It’s essential to find shoes that do not crush the toes together or put pressure on the joints, so if you are wearing heels for work every day, for instance, it is very important to ensure that the toe box is wide enough for your toes to spread properly and to give your feet a break whenever you can.
- Cushioning. The feet contain 26 bones and several ligaments, muscles and tendons that all need support throughout the day, so the level of cushioning in your shoes can have a huge impact. Good cushioning will absorb the impact in your shoes and can prevent pain in the joints and the heel, so this should be a priority when you are choosing footwear. Shoes such as flip-flops do not cushion or support the feet enough and should not be worn..
Having your feet measured by one of our foot wellness experts will identify what you need from your shoes and you can take expert advice on the best footwear for each situation. This will make a big difference to your comfort levels and the health of your feet, which will have an impact on your general health, too.
Choosing the Right Footwear
The shoes you wear can ensure that your feet are comfortable and well supported and this will help you to feel at your best throughout the day. Choosing good footwear is easier when you have the support of a professional and our friendly team at Foot Solutions can help you to find the best fit for your feet and your lifestyle. We recommend that you:
- Shop for shoes in the afternoon. Our feet naturally spread during the day and buying shoes in the morning is more likely to lead to problems with fit and shoes that are too tight.
- Use professional measuring. Simply guessing at your size is likely to cause pain and discomfort in the long run, so it is much better to have your feet measured professionally to ensure that you are wearing shoes that fit you well.
- Seek out gait analysis. Services such as gait analysis, offered by our foot wellness experts at Foot Solutions, can identify the unique profile of your feet and help you find shoes that suit this. This means that problems such as over-pronation, where the feet tend to roll in as you walk or run, putting pressure on the feet, can be avoided or corrected and your feet will feel more comfortable.
Try insoles or precision-tailored orthotics. Precision-tailored orthotics are small devices that sit inside your shoes and can correct postural issues and give the feet more support. Insoles can help a little but a device that is milled from digital scans to fit your feet perfectly is likely to make a much more substantial difference and you will be surprised how much better your feet feel.
- Prepare for success. If you are looking for shoes for running or exercising, do not be tempted to compromise with shoes that are not designed for this purpose. You will keep your feet healthy by wearing the right shoes for specific activities and we will help you to make the best choices for your feet. It is also vital to ensure that you warm up before exercising in order to protect your feet as injuries often occur if the feet are not prepared properly.
- Replace your shoes when needed. Wearing old or damaged shoes is much more likely to damage your feet so keep an eye on them and ensure you replace them when needed. For instance, running shoes should last around 300-500 miles, which is usually around 4-6 months for regular runners, and they should be replaced if they show signs of wear as this can compromise the health of your feet.
If you are experiencing foot pain, we will be happy to take a look and discuss the options with you. Many people are surprised at the difference good shoes can make and even those who have lived with foot, knee, back or hip pain for many years can find that this is alleviated with the right footwear. Talk to our team and find out how we can help.
Visit Foot Solutions Today
Here at Foot Solutions, our foot wellness experts have many years of experience and will be happy to help you find the best footwear for your feet. Our priority is to ensure that you feel comfortable all day and we know that finding the right shoes is the key. Keeping your feet in good shape means you can stay active and enjoy good health throughout your life, so it is worth taking the time to get your footwear right.
If you are experiencing foot pain or discomfort, visit us in-store for advice and guidance on your footwear and to explore services such as precision-tailored orthotics and gait analysis. We have an excellent range of shoes for work, training shoes, sandals and boots (both seasonal) so you don’t need to compromise on comfort or on style to ensure that your feet look and feel great.
