From standing all day at work to indulging in adventurous hikes, our feet endure a lot. However, one of, if not the most important aspect of foot health is properly fitted footwear. It’s not just about style or fashion; it’s about ensuring the right support for our feet to prevent and alleviate common foot conditions. Let’s delve into the importance of properly fitted footwear and how it can bring relief to several common foot ailments.
What it Means to Have Footwear Fit Properly
Shoes that fit your feet always feel good; plain and simple! But what does it mean to have shoes that fit well? For many people, it means choosing the shoe size they’ve always been told that fits them and that’s it. While this might be a good starting point, there are other things to consider as well for your shoe size, and it’s no small list:
- Heel-to-toe length: this is the measured shoe size from the very back of the foot to the very front of your longest toe. You should never be wearing shoes that are smaller than this measurement.
- Heel-to-ball length: this is the measured shoe size from the very back of the foot to the “ball of the foot”, or the metatarsal heads. This size could be the same, larger, or smaller than your heel-to-toe length, so be sure to try on both sizes to compare.
- Width: this is measured at the ball of the foot, which will be the widest part of the shoe. Many people will often buy shoes in a larger size if they are too tight on the sides, when they might just have a wider foot than average. Many shoes are available in narrow, medium, wide, extra-wide, and even extra-extra-wide.
- Depth: this is how much vertical volume is inside of the shoe, but it isn’t necessarily something that is measured. Some shoes are available with a 2nd removable insole to offer more space inside the shoe, which can be helpful for swollen feet or those with a high instep.
These are some of the details your Canadian Certified Pedorthists look for when you come to BioPed. We can use this information and more to properly fit you for comfortable shoes that help with several common foot conditions, such as the following:
Bunions and Bunionettes
Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, while bunionettes develop on the joint of the pinky toe. Tight, narrow shoes squeeze the toes together, increasing pressure on these areas and worsening the deformities. Look for shoes with a wide toe box to provide ample space and relieve discomfort.
Hammer Toes and Claw Toes
Hammer toes and claw toes occur when the toes become bent and curled due to muscle imbalance or prolonged pressure. Shoes with narrow, pointed toe boxes force the toes into unnatural positions, exacerbating these conditions. Choose shoes with a roomy toe box and soft, flexible materials to accommodate toe deformities and prevent further discomfort.
Morton’s Neuroma and Metatarsalgia
Morton’s neuroma involves the thickening of tissue around the nerves between the toes, causing sharp, burning pain. Metatarsalgia is characterized by pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot. Both conditions can be aggravated by shoes with tight toe boxes and inadequate cushioning. Look for shoes with ample cushioning in the forefoot and a wide toe box to alleviate pressure on the affected areas.
Corns and Calluses
Corns and calluses are areas of thickened skin that develop in response to friction or pressure. Ill-fitting shoes create friction points, leading to the formation of these painful lesions. Choose shoes with smooth, seam-free interiors and proper sizing to prevent rubbing and irritation.
Top of Foot Pain
Top of foot pain can result from various factors, including nerve compression, tendon inflammation, or stress fractures. Tight laces or straps on shoes can exacerbate this pain by compressing the top of the foot. Look for shoes with adjustable closures and cushioned tongues to alleviate pressure and provide a comfortable fit.
Come See Us!
Are you having a hard time finding shoes that fit? Are you having pain or discomfort when you wear certain shoes? If so, we are here to help. At BioPed, your clinical team specializes in recommending and fitting comfortable shoes, ensuring you feel your best with every step. Visit us today to see how the right pair of shoes can make all the difference when it comes to shopping for your new shoes!
