Some kinds of pain are difficult to avoid, but one that's largely preventable is foot pain. Flip-Flops and Sandals: Plantar Fasciitis Many people love the toe-wiggling freedom flip-flops and other types of sandals offer, compared with sturdier shoes. But unfortunately, flip-flops lack support, which can ultimately lead to foot pain. Stiletto Heels: Stretched Achilles Tendon Heels are a stylish shoe choice for women, but they might also be one of the biggest shoe-related causes of foot pain. Ballet Flats: Foot Pain Simple slip-on ballet flats may feel comfortable at first, but they are doing virtually nothing to support your feet and can ultimately lead to foot pain issues. Platform Shoes: Ankle Instability If you want to add height in a safe way, platform shoes may be better than heels, but the problem with platforms is ankle instability due to the height of the shoe." And ankle instability can lead to sprains. Worn-Out Shoes: No Shock Absorption When it comes to avoiding foot pain and advancing foot health, the advice on worn-out shoes is simple: Worn-out shoes can accentuate existing problems. Comfy Sheepskin Boots: Fungus Build-Up Slipper-type boots with the sheepskin lining, like Uggs or Bearpaws, are stylish, but they can present several threats to foot health. Thigh-High Boots: Nerve Damage When it comes to foot pain, thigh-high boots can cause some of the same foot health issues as shoes with stiletto heels, depending on their heel height. And they present the additional risk of causing leg issues if the boots are too tight. Common problems with bad shoes Fungal infections, such as athlete's foot, happen because our feet are in shoes most of the time. Shoes are warm, dark, and moist — the perfect place for fungus to grow. A fungus can cause dry skin, redness, blisters, itching, and peeling. It can be hard to cure. Over-the-counter anti-fungal powders or creams can help. Corns and calluses are caused by pressure when the bony parts of your feet rub against your shoes. Corns usually appear on the tops or sides of toes while calluses form on the soles of feet. Wearing shoes that fit better or using non-medicated pads may help. While bathing, gently rub the corn or callus with a washcloth or pumice stone to help reduce the size. To avoid infection, do not try to shave off the corn or callus. See your doctor, specially if you have diabetes or circulation problems. Warts are skin growths caused by viruses. They may be painful and can spread if not treated. Some over-the-counter products may help to get rid of warts. See your doctor for treatment. Bunions are swollen and tender joints that can develop at the base of your big toes. They tend to run in families. Bunions can also be caused by shoes that are too small or have pointed toes. If a bunion is not too painful, wearing shoes cut wide at the toes and middle part of the foot (instep) or shoe inserts may help. Taping or padding the bunion may bring relief. Some over-the-counter pain medicine may lessen pain and reduce swelling. Talk to your doctor if you are in pain. Sometimes surgery is needed to relieve the pressure and repair the toe joint. Neuromas are the result of a build-up of tissue around an inflamed nerve in the foot. They may cause tingling, numbness, or pain in the ball of your foot and toes. This may cause you to lose your balance. Shoes that are too narrow or have high heels can make the problem worse. See your doctor. Sometimes, inserts put in your shoes can help. Hammertoe is caused by a shortening of the tendons that control toe movements. The toe joint grows and pulls the toe back. Over time, the joint gets bigger and stiffens as it rubs against shoes. This can affect your balance. More space in the shoe or stocking can help. In very serious cases, surgery may be needed. Spurs are bony bumps that grow on bones of your feet. They are caused by stress on the feet. Standing for long periods of time, wearing badly fitting shoes, or being overweight can make spurs worse. Sometimes spurs are painless. At other times, they can hurt. Treatments for spurs include foot supports, heel pads, and heel cups. Sometimes surgery is needed. Swollen feet may happen when you have been standing for a long time. If your feet and ankles stay swollen, it may be a sign of more serious health problems. See your doctor for a check-up. Selecting Proper Footwear According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, one in every six persons has foot problems. Wearing properly fitting shoes is the first step toward preventing problems of the foot and ankle. The most important factor to remember is to avoid wearing shoes that force your foot to conform to the shape of your shoes. Listed below are tips to use when selecting footwear: Choose shoes that conform to the natural shape of your foot. Make sure that the ball of your foot fits into the widest part of the shoe. The heel of the shoe should fit snugly without slipping. Avoid pointed shoes that force your toes into an unnatural position. Do not wear shoes with a heel higher than 2 1/4 inches. Heels higher than this height put pressure on the ankles and balls of the feet and, over time, cause injuries, such as bunions and calluses. Try on new shoes at the end of the day. Your feet swell after standing or sitting during the day. Try on both shoes when purchasing footwear, since one foot is often larger than the other. Stand and walk around in the shoes before buying them to be sure they are comfortable. Don't rely on shoe sizes. Instead, always try on shoes, as sizes vary among brands. Have each foot measured regularly, since feet tend to get larger with age. Purchase shoes that are comfortable when you first try them on. Do not expect shoes to stretch or "break-in." Wearing Shoes When you first wear new shoes, leave them on for 30 minutes only and then check feet for signs of rubbing such as redness, blisters or abrasions. If they have caused problems do not continue to wear them If no problems occur wear your shoes in slowly, by 30 minutes each time and continue to check feet after wear. To reduce the risk of knocks and bumps, don't wear open toed shoes or thongs Wear your shoes inside and outside of your home Check your footwear for foreign bodies, nails or rough seams prior to wearing If slippers are worn be sure they have a firm heel counter and a fastening device that prevents slipping or falling. Repair or replace your shoes when worn Dry out and air shoes after wearing
