A fine pair of top designer shoes can be one of the most prized belongings in any woman’s shoe collection. As a result, high heels have become a unique fashion statement in their own right. Cedars Sinai Medical Center foot specialists say, however, that when these types of shoes are worn on a daily basis, a host of issues can develop in a person’s feet.
Common problems are metatarsalgia, hammertoes, bunions, and arch support issues. As expected, recent research suggests that uncomfortable or ill-fitting shoes, especially those with a heightened heel, can both cause and aggravate foot and toe issues which sometimes necessitate bunion surgery.
Women are not the only ones who need to be aware of what they wear on their feet. Men also have to be concerned with the perils of uncomfortable shoes. Particularly rigid work boots or tight dress shoes can cause major foot problems leading to foot surgery. For both men and women, physical activities and sports can cause foot discomfort and conditions.
The trouble with high heels is that they shift the body’s weight disproportionably towards the front of the foot. This causes excessive pressure on the front portion of the foot as opposed to equally spreading the body’s weight throughout the whole foot. Poor cushioning can also add to major foot pain and sometimes make hammertoe surgery necessary. Specialized structures and tissues in the foot help to prevent injury by supplying cushioning right where it’s most needed. Nevertheless, the foot is unable to accomplish this alone. Cushioning and arch support in the shoes help to rebalance weight and absorb the energy of activities such as walking, running, jumping, and heavy lifting. Be sure to wear proper shoes with adequate arch support and cushioning.
Stiff shoes are another major reason why feet can develop painful conditions for both men and women. In women, shoes with toe areas that are narrow or that squeeze the toes together are the culprits for most common types of foot irritation. High heels also cause issues, since they do not provide the foot with enough support in the arch of the foot which can be a key reason for foot pain. For men, hard, flat work shoes can present their own set of challenges. These types of shoes don’t have supportive arches, so they are not good choices for daily footwear. The Cedar Sinai Medical Center cites that poor choice in shoes can cause flat feet to develop, especially during repeated physical strain on the feet such as in athletic activity or heavy lifting. For more information about proper foot care through the use of properly fitting footwear, contact your Cedar Sinai Medical Center foot experts to learn more.