While the role of shoes is to protect feet, they can actually do more harm than good. Improper shoes can lead to a variety of foot concerns and foot pain, and women are often affected by these issues more than men. Below are some common foot conditions brought on by tight shoes and what you can do to avoid these problems:
Hammertoe Pain Relief
Hammertoe is a condition that is often attributed to tight shoes more than anything else. A hammertoe is a toe that has essentially been squished up against the front of the toe box of a shoe, leading the affected toe to curl downwards and in on itself. This condition can be painful, and over time, it can become permanent. Always make sure that your toes are not being crammed up against the front of your shoe’s toe box.
Nerve Damage and Numbness
Tight shoes can also lead to nerve damage and numbness in the toes, feet, heels, ankles, and even in other parts of the body. When a shoe is too tight and is worn for long periods of time or is worn often, the nerves in the lower extremities may experience problems sending signals back and forth. When this happens, numbness, pain, burning, and a sensation of pins and needles may occur. Over time, nerves may become compressed and lead to long-term numbness and pain. If you are experiencing numbness or tingling when wearing your shoes, it’s a good indicator that you need to move up a size to give yourself some extra room.
Bunions
While shoes that are too tight do not always cause bunions, individuals who suffer from bunions need to be extra-careful when selecting footwear. A bunion causes the foot and big toe to jut out and turn inward. As a result, shoes that are too tight can lead to excess pressure, nerve damage, and pain. In order to avoid developing bunions, or to alleviate problems with bunions and your current shoes, ensure that the toe box portion of your shoes is wide enough to be accommodating. Dr. Catherine Casteel at Casteel Foot and Ankle Center can give you other tips on selecting the proper shoes if you have bunions.
Find Relief for Foot Pain
The orthopedic podiatrists at Casteel Foot & Ankle Center are always happy to help residents of Rowlett, TX and the surrounding area with shoe selection. If you’re currently having problems finding shoes that fit properly, our podiatrist specialists at Casteel Foot & Ankle Center may be able to suggest special orthotics that can change the function of your existing shoes, allowing you to continue wearing them while relieving your symptoms.
Schedule Foot Pain Relief in North Texas
Contact Casteel Foot & Ankle Center to schedule an appointment for foot pain, toe pain, or heel pain by calling 972-412-4449.