Shoes can have a significant effect on the health of your feet, especially when worn for extended periods of time on hard surfaces. Inadequate support may increase stress on the heel and forefoot, potentially contributing to conditions like plantar fasciitis, calluses, or metatarsalgia. Shoes lacking proper cushioning or arch support may fail to distribute pressure evenly. Restrictive styles, such as high heels, can alter foot posture and lead to bunions, claw toes, or thickened nails. Foot pain can also result from wearing poorly fitted or overly rigid footwear, which interferes with natural foot motion and joint alignment. People engaged in sports should select shoes specific to that activity and that provide adequate shock absorption and lateral stability. Alternating shoes regularly helps reduce repetitive stress and allows structural materials to recover. Shoe inserts, when prescribed by a podiatrist, may help improve foot posture and alleviate pain. If you experience foot pain after wearing certain shoes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment, in addition to guidance on how to choose proper footwear.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Shepherdsville and Louisville, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.