How Your Footwear Can Affect Your Feet

The shoes you choose to wear can have a big impact on your feet and the health of your feet and ankles as well. If you aren't wearing the proper footwear daily, it can make a big impact. Your shoes should protect your feet and offer support, in addition to just looking good. If you aren't sure what type of impact your footwear can have on your feet, read on for some information to help you better understand, and to help you when choosing your footwear.

They Can Prevent Injury

Your footwear can help protect your feet from injury. If you are wearing open-toed shoes for instance, they aren't doing anything at all to protect your toes if you stub them on something, or if something were to fall onto your foot. If you are wearing shoes such as flip-flops, which offer no protection whatsoever, you could set yourself up for injury to your toes, to your ankle, or even to your entire foot, as there isn't much to a flip-flop. You could easily sprain an ankle, or slip resulting in a foot injury or injury to another part of the body.

They Can Prevent Foot Fungus Or Bunions

Foot issues such as fungus or bunions can occur if you aren't wearing the right type of footwear. If you are wearing flip-flops, you are again setting yourself up for issues, including foot fungus, as these shoes do nothing to protect your feet. Just like if you weren't wearing any shoes at all on your feet, your feet are too open to the elements, and foot fungus can be easily picked up. Bunions can occur if you are wearing shoes that are too tight, or if you wear shoes that are too tall, as in high heels. High heels can cause the foot to push forward and can squish your toes, leading to a bunion. Opt for shoes that aren't too tall, too tight, and that offer protection from exterior elements.

They Can Prevent Arch Issues

Issues from your arch may be directly caused by your choice in footwear. If you are wearing flat shoes, that don't have any arch support at all in them, they can lead to falling arches. It can be very painful, especially if you once had higher arches. You may also experience pain in the heel or the pads of your feet if you are wearing shoes that don't have enough support in them. Be sure the soles of your shoes are still in good shape, they have plenty of support and they have a good arch in them. If not, add arch supports or sole inserts to these shoes.

The footwear you choose to wear daily can directly impact your feet and the rest of your body, including your hips and back. If you are making poor footwear choices, it's time to make a change. Talk to your podiatrist about other footwear tips.