Taking care of your feet means choosing the right shoes. Awareness of your feet’s comfort is vital to understanding what type of shoes you should buy. Avoid shoes such as heels and flats, which offer minimal shock absorption due to a lack of solid foundation. This may lead to potential heel pain from the repetitive stress. Avoid heels that are higher than two inches. If possible, choose wedges as they help distribute weight more evenly and stabilize the feet. Choose quality leather that is not stiff, as your feet are prone to developing bunions in shoes that are too tight. As you age, your feet can change over time, so it’s important to take this into consideration when shoe shopping.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Robert Hope from Riverside Podiatry. Dr. Hope can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes is vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Tuscaloosa, AL. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot needs.

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