 | SLIDESHOW |
| Worst Shoes for Your Feet ( courtecy;- webMD ) | |
| You want to look good, but is it worth sacrificing your toes? See which shoes do the most damage to your feet, and what to wear instead.
Slideshow: The Worst Shoes for Your Feet
1/27
Culprit: Ultra-High Heels
"Heels are getting
higher and higher," says Hillary Brenner, DPM. "We podiatrists like
to call it shoe-icide." Brenner, a spokeswoman for the American Podiatric
Medical Association, says ultra-high heels can lead to everything from ankle
sprains to chronic pain. Let's take a closer look at the heights, styles, and
woes of today's footwear.
1/27
Problem: Pump Bump
Whether they're sky-high
or mid-heel, this style is notorious for causing a painful knot on the back of
the heel. The rigid material presses on a bony deformity some women have called
a "pump bump." The pressure leads to blisters, swelling, bursitis,
even pain in the Achilles tendon. Ice, orthotics, and heel pads may provide
pain relief -- along with better shoes. The bony protrusion is permanent.
1/27
Problem: Unnatural Foot Position
Ultra-high heels force
the feet into a position that puts stress on the ball of the foot. At this
critical joint, the long metatarsal bones meet the pea-shaped sesamoid bones,
and the toe bones (phalanges). Too much pressure can inflame these bones or the
nerves that surround them. Chronic stress to the foot bones can even lead to
hairline fractures.
1/27
Solution: Go Low
Switching to lower heels
will help you avoid problems with the metatarsal bones. The lower you go, the
more natural your foot position will be. Brenner recommends choosing heels that
are no more than 2 inches high -- and even those should be worn in moderation.
1/27
Problem: Ankle Sprains
All high heels boost the
risk of an ankle sprain. The most common problem is a lateral sprain, which
happens when you roll onto the outside of the foot. This stretches the ankle
ligaments beyond their normal length. A severe sprain may tear the ligaments. A
sprained ankle should be immobilized and may need physical therapy to heal
properly. The risk of developing osteoarthritis rises with a severe sprain or
fracture of the ankle.
1/27
Culprit: Stilettos
Although all high heels
can cause problems, the ultra narrow heels of stilettos are particularly risky.
"The weight is pinpointed on one area," Brenner tells WebMD.
"That makes you wobble like you're walking on stilts." The result is that
you're more likely to trip and sprain your ankle.
1/27
Solution: Chunky Heels
A chunky heel has more
surface area and distributes your weight more evenly. This makes the feet much
more stable when compared to stilettos or spindle heels. Although thick high
heels can still put stress on the ball of the foot, they may reduce the
tripping hazard by minimizing unsteadiness.
1/27
Culprit: Ballet Flats
Brenner compares these
dainty shoes to walking on cardboard. "There's no arch support
whatsoever," she tells WebMD. That keeps the feet from functioning
optimally and can lead to knee, hip, and back problems. Poor arch support is
also associated with a painful foot condition called plantar fasciitis.
1/27
Solution: Orthotic Inserts
If you love the look of
ballet flats, over-the-counter inserts (shown here) may help prevent mild foot
pain. Heel pads can provide extra cushioning for achy heels. And custom
orthotics can ease a whole range of foot pains and problems. Podiatrists
prescribe these inserts to provide arch support and reduce pressure on
sensitive areas. Prescription orthotics can be pricey, but are sometimes
covered by insurance.
1/27
Culprit: Flip-Flops
Flip-flops offer very
little protection. The risk of getting splinters or other foot injuries is
higher when the feet are so exposed. People with diabetes should not wear
flip-flops, because simple cuts and scrapes can lead to serious complications.
In addition, many flip-flops provide no arch support. Like ballet flats, they
can aggravate plantar fasciitis and cause problems with the knees, hips, or
back.
1/27
Problem: Plantar Fasciitis
A band of tissue called
the plantar fascia runs along the bottom of the foot. It pulls on the heel when
you walk -- and it works best with the proper arch in your foot. Walking
barefoot, or in flimsy shoes without sufficient arch support, can overstretch, tear,
or inflame the plantar fascia. This common condition can cause intense heel
pain, and resting the feet only provides temporary relief.
1/27
Better: 'Fitted' Flops
Sporty, fitted sandals
and other "toning shoes" are designed for a more intense workout
while walking. The American Council on Exercise says there's no evidence to
support that claim, but they may have other benefits. The thick sole keeps your
foot off the ground and away from debris. And Brenner points out, "they do
have really good arch support." Several have a seal of approval from the
American Podiatric Medical Association.
1/27
Culprit: Platform Shoes
Platform shoes and
wedges tend to have rigid foot beds. "That throws off the biomechanics of
walking," Brenner says. "Your foot is trying to bend a certain way,
but the shoe is fighting you because it's so rigid." If the heel of the
platform is much higher than the toe area, the shoe also puts pressure on the
metatarsal bones.
1/27
Better: Flatter Platforms
Although still not
recommended, a flatter platform shoe may put less strain on your feet than its
peers. Look for a wide wedge or platform that is nearly parallel with the
ground. This will lessen the pressure on the ball of the foot. However, the
rigid sole remains a barrier to the natural walking motion.
1/27
Culprit: Pointy Toes
They might be stylish,
but shoes with pointy toes squeeze the entire front of your foot together.
After time, this can cause nerve pain, bunions, blisters, and hammertoes. Some
women even develop bruises under their toenails from the constant pressure.
1/27
Problem: Bunions
A bunion is a painful
lump at the base of the big toe, which may cause the toe to bend unnaturally.
It forms when the tissue or bone at the base joint gets displaced. This may
happen after years of abnormal pressure and movement. Pointy-toed shoes are a
common factor, which explains the prevalence of bunions among women.
1/27
Problem: Toe Deformities
High heeled shoes push
too much body weight toward the toes and then squeeze them together. Over time,
the result can be hammertoe (early stage, lower right), abnormal bends in the
toe joints that can gradually become rigid. Surgery is sometimes needed to relieve
the pain of severe hammertoe. Crowding can cause other toe deformities, along
with continuous shoe friction, leading to painful corns and calluses.
1/27
Solution: Wide Toe Box
You can avoid the pointy
toe perils by selecting boxier shoes. If that style doesn't appeal to you, look
for shoes that slope to a point beyond the edge of your toes. A healthy style
won't pinch the tips or sides of the toes. Brenner also suggests choosing a
softer material, rather than stiff leather.
1/27
Culprit: Celebrity Trendsetters
Lady Gaga is known for
her eccentric style, but you may want to think twice before stepping into the
heel-less shoes she favors. The 12-inch mega-heels seen in her "Bad
Romance" video are equally risky. As we've seen, putting so much stress on
the ball of your foot can cause bone and nerve damage and pain.
1/27
Solution: Performance Pumps
Many women are unwilling
to trade style for comfort, but you may not have to choose between the two.
Performance pumps offer a sound compromise, taking both fashion and your health
into consideration. They are typically made with reinforced heels, athletic
shoe construction, and more wiggle room for your toes.
1/27
Culprit: Wrong Size Shoes
Nine out of 10 women are
wearing shoes that are too small. The consequences aren't pretty – calluses,
blisters, bunions, corns, and other problems. The constant rubbing can irritate
the joints in the foot and lead to arthritis. Research suggests many kids are
also wearing the wrong shoe size, which puts them at risk for foot deformities
as they grow.
1/27
Solution: Measure Your Feet
Before buying new shoes,
have a professional measure the length and width of your feet at the end of the
day, while you're standing. For unusually flat feet or high arches, an exam by
a podiatrist may be warranted. These conditions can increase the risk of
osteoarthritis. Early treatment and use of proper footwear may help to avoid
unnecessary wear and tear on the joints of the foot.
1/27
Men's Trends
Pointy-toed shoes have
crossed the gender line. This footwear fad carries the same risk in men as in
women – including hammertoes, bunions, and pain. To avoid these problems, stick
with a boxier toe. At the office, a classic pair of oxfords or loafers may not
turn heads, but your feet will thank you.
1/27
Fitness Trends: Minimalist Shoe
Newer additions to the
shoe scene are minimalist shoes. They aim to mimic the natural feel and
mechanics of walking barefoot. Brenner is not impressed. "There's no
support for your heel or arch and no shock absorption," she says. In
addition, in some brands, the "fingers" separate the toes,
interfering with the natural walking position.
1/27
Fitness Trends: Rocker Bottoms
Rocker bottom shoes
facilitate the push-off motion as you walk. This style can help with joint
pain, according to Brenner. It's also good for people with mild foot
deformities. However, she does not recommend the shoe for older people or
people with medical conditions that affect balance or muscle strength.
1/27
3 Tips for Better Shoes
If you're ready to do
right by your feet, Brenner offers these three tips:
·
Make sure the shoe bends at the toe box,
but is not too flexible.
·
Make sure there is a sufficient arch
support.
·
Choose a chunky heel that is less than 2
inches high.
This tool does not provide medical advice
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