Keeping your feet healthy often comes down to some preventative efforts on your part. One of the main causes of aching feet is poorly fitting shoes and overpronation from improper arch support. It’s important to choose shoes that are made for the activity and to use orthotic inserts for optimum support. For example, you wouldn’t wear running shoes to play tennis or basketball because they don’t provide the proper side support. Be sure to replace your footwear when it becomes worn out to help keep your feet in good shape.
Here are the 2 essential footwear tips for happy and healthy feet:
- Have your footwear properly fitted each time you buy—As you get older, your feet flatten out and become wider. In fact, the size of your feet can increase as much as half an inch per year. Another thing to keep in mind is that your feet expand throughout the day, so try to go shopping for shoes at the end of your day when your feet have reached their full size. Also make sure you get both feet measured since they can vary a half size or more in length.
- Correct pronation problems with proper arch support—Many problems with the feet and ankles are caused by overpronation and other arch support issues. In fact, having improper arch support can radiate alignment issues right up your spine to your knees, hips, and back. A computerized gait analysis and physical exam can detect pronation problems and custom orthotic arch supports and other inserts can be used to optimize foot comfort and spinal alignment.
For help getting perfectly fitted shoes for your foot type see your foot doctor for an exam and computerized gait analysis. Dr. Scott Nelson of Foot and Ankle Medical Clinic in Garland, TX (county of Dallas), is a board-certified and highly experienced podiatrist who has helped people suffering from all types of foot and ankle injuries and deformities. From bunions to diabetic foot problems, sports injuries, and fungal nails, you can trust that Dr. Nelson and his staff are wholeheartedly devoted to your foot health. Please contact our office with any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment by calling 972-414-9800.