The most common problem at pediatric clinics is Foot pain. Foot pain may or may not be related to some underlying disease.

Some common diseases that may result in foot pain include plantar fasciitis, flat feet, bunions, hammertoe and Morton’s neuroma.

Often, the underlying cause of foot pain may be as simple as poorly fitting shoes, overuse of the shoes, sports-related injury or trauma resulting from heavy-duty activities like marathon running.

In the case of foot pain caused by poorly fitting shoes, choosing the right pair of shoes to alleviate the situation is very important. Here are some practical tips to choose the right shoes to wear in order to avoid foot pain.

First and foremost selecting the correct shoe size is most important. Tight shoes can affect blood circulation in the feet and can also affect the ankle. Loose or oversized shoes can cause defects in walking and result in falls and tripping over. When assessing foot size, the length of the foot should not be the only factor taken into consideration. One should measure the width and the arches of the feet.

Regarding the design of the shoe, some of the types of shoes to avoid when trying to eliminate foot pain are shoes that are too flat and that provide no arch support. Also, shoes with narrow high heels and hard soles may also trigger pain in the feet.

Read more about Why Do You Need To Wear Orthopaedic Shoes?

Shoes that are best for everyday use include shoes that provide cushioning and ample foot support. Shoes should be lightweight and have shock absorption in the heel and around the balls of the feet. Ideally, shoes should have a stiff back and only a small ability to twist, known as torque, when both ends are held. The toes should be comfortably accommodated and not forced to curl up or be squashed, they should be allowed to bend too. A feeling of overall comfort on first wearing the show is absolutely required.

High heels, though they may look elegant can cause foot trauma with extensive, everyday use. The Achilles tendon, in particular, tightens and shortens with the extensive wearing of high heels. One should switch to lower heeled shoes while walking long distances.

One feature of shoes that should be avoided at all costs is Narrowness in the toe area. Shoes with narrow toes not only result in foot pain but could also lead to further complications like hammertoe.

When the heel wears out and becomes angled, shoes should be replaced. Particularly running shoes lose their shock absorption potential and therefore should be replaced on a regular basis. The soles of shoes often lose their viability due to prolonged heat and humidity factors too.

A good pair of shoes shouldn’t hurt at all. They should be comfortable, supportive and allow you to easily go about your everyday activities.

Consult a specialist at Curafoot today to help you assess your feet and provide solutions to your foot pain problems. Our specialist podiatrists use a combination of orthotics and provide advice on appropriate footwear.