Are you wearing shoes that make your feet ache? If so, it may be time to invest in a new pair of shoes. Whether you’re working up on your feet in the office or out and about at home, wearing poor quality or poorly fit shoes is uncomfortable and can have negative effects on your health over time.
If you’re one of the many people who feel foot discomfort during the day, you’re not alone. According to a study conducted by the American Podiatric Medical Association, nearly 80% of adults wear shoes that aren’t comfortable enough for them. Not surprisingly, over half of these people report feeling pain in their feet during their day.
If you’ve ever worn bad shoes, you’ve probably experienced the pains associated with that. These include pains in the feet or legs, muscular aches in the back and shoulders, and possibly even migraines and depression.
Studies indicate that the way you walk and your shoes can cause and aggravate these pains. So take note of these warning signs, look for shoe stores that sell shoes with higher quality and comfort, and try to avoid wearing bad shoes.
Effects of Wearing Uncomfortable Shoes
The effects of bad shoes can persist for the lifetime of the wearer. Some of the most common health concerns associated with wearing uncomfortable shoes include:
● Blisters – The constant rubbing of the foot against the inside of an ill-fitting shoe can lead to the formation of blisters. A blister develops when a small amount of fluid buildup occurs between two layers of the skin.
This fluid can eventually burst through, causing redness, pain, and irritation. Blisters that don’t heal as expected or that repeatedly break open can become infected.
● Bunions – Although bunions can develop at any age, they are most often found in older adults. A bunion is a painful and unsightly condition that occurs at the joint where the big toe connects to the foot.
The big toe presses against the side of the second toe, forcing it toward the other toes. This causes bones and tendons in this part of the foot to become inflamed, which leads to an unsightly bump that can be very painful.
● Lower leg pain – Narrow and pointed-toe shoes cause the foot to become crammed into the narrow tip. This can cause the toes to cramp, making it difficult for them to spread out flat against the ground.
The continuous rubbing of toes against the shoe can lead to inflammation and swelling, which can then lead to lower leg pain and tiredness in your feet and legs.
● Plantar fasciitis – Plantar fasciitis is a painful foot condition that causes the foot to ache and throb. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. When this tissue becomes inflamed, it can form tiny tears, leading to pain and tenderness along this part of the foot.
● Shin splints – Shin splints are inflammation of the shins, commonly caused by repeated impacts from running or jumping activities. Shin splints typically present as a sharp pain right at the front of the lower leg.
Pain and tenderness start at the shin bone, which can radiate across to the inside of the ankle and further up into the calf. Resting on flat surfaces can help minimize shin pain. Elevating your feet with pillows will also help minimize shin pain.
● Tired feet – The constant pressure from poorly fitted shoes that don’t fit well may leave you with tired and fatigued feet. Tiredness from your feet can then cause you to feel tired throughout the rest of your body.
● Worsening of existing foot problems – Several foot conditions can be made worse by poorly fit or uncomfortable shoes. This includes bunions, plantar fasciitis, and hammertoes.
● Other health problems – Poorly fitting shoes can cause or exacerbate other health conditions in the feet or legs, such as varicose veins and muscle cramps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when wearing tight shoes?
Wearing tight shoes can cause various health problems, including foot and ankle pain, Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and shin splints. It can also lead to other injuries, such as back pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain.
When you wear tight shoes, the pressure on your feet and ankles increases. This can cause inflammation and damage to the tissues in your feet and ankles.
In addition, wearing tight shoes can also cause bursitis or inflammation of the sac around the bony prominence on the inside of your ankle (the calcaneus). This condition is usually caused by a combination of repetitive motion and excessive heat exposure.
Why do shoes hurt my feet?
Shoes can cause pain in the feet due to a variety of reasons. The most common culprits are improper fit and alignment, which can lead to pressure on the ball of the foot (the heel), and too much arch support, which puts undue stress on the Achilles tendon.
To avoid hurting your feet, be sure to get shoes that fit well and are properly aligned. Also, make sure there is enough room in the toe box for your toes to spread and breathe. And lastly, avoid shoes with excessive arch support, as this will only add more pressure to your feet.
Can wearing the wrong shoes cause nerve damage?
There is some evidence to suggest that wearing the wrong shoes can cause nerve damage. This is because shoes can cause pressure on the feet and legs, which can lead to inflammation and pain in the lower extremities.
This inflammation can lead to damage to the nerves in your feet, which can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and even weakness. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for further evaluation.
Bottom Line
As you can see, uncomfortable or poorly fitting shoes can have negative effects on your health. If you want to protect your feet, consider replacing your shoes at least every six months. However, it’s not a bad idea to do so more often if the heel of your shoe is wearing away or the inside of the shoe shows wear and tear.
When you shop for new shoes, keep in mind that comfort should be a top priority. Keep your feet limber and don’t overwork yourself while wearing new shoes. If you find the shoes are causing pain, try to purchase a more comfortable shoe, even if it is not all that stylish.
The right pair of shoes will make all the difference in the world when it comes to how comfortable you feel. Remember, a good pair of shoes can literally make all the difference in the world for looking and feeling your best.
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