Los Altos, CA
Have you ever had a long-anticipated night on the town spoiled by sore feet? The source of your discomfort just might be those pretty shoes you have chosen to wear. All too often we see clients share stories about their foot pain while in dress shoes.
Women’s dress shoes are often narrower and less cushioned than shoes worn day-to-day, which may make them uncomfortably confining. And women, young and old, have four times as many foot problems as men, with high heels often being the cause.
Another cause of discomfort could be that you are buying shoes based on your history, assuming that the“right size” for you has remained the same over the years. In fact, as we age, our shoe size tends to increase, in length, width, or both. This flattening of the feet is actually the result of decreased elasticity in the tendons and ligaments that support the foot.
Other age-related changes and conditions contribute to foot pain. Fatty pads on soles and heels break down, resulting in the loss of natural cushioning. Thinner skin and more brittle toenails, also common as feet age, are other foot, pain culprits. So are bunions, corns, calluses, and ingrown toenails.
Choosing comfort over fashion is a good practice when selecting dress shoes.
To ensure a comfortable fit,
- have both feet measured every time you buy shoes;
- try on shoes late in the day, when feet are largest;
- walk around the store in the shoes to be sure they are a good fit; and
- do not buy shoes that are too tight, too small, or uncomfortable in any way.
Poorly fitting shoes can lead to serious foot problems, and out-of-shape calf muscles wreak havoc on the plantar fascia and bunions. See us for basic stretching and weight-bearing exercises to prevent muscle and bone loss, and improve circulation. This, along with shoes that fit, will make that night on the town something to look forward to.
Experiencing any symptoms I mentioned in this post? Give us a call at (650) 947-8500! Not ready to make a call? No problem. We also have a free guide on “7 SIMPLE STEPS TO ENDING FOOT AND ANKLE PAIN” with more tips and information.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kim Gladfelter, MPT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Women's Health Physical Therapy Specialist at PhysioFit Physical Therapy & Wellness
Kim Gladfelter is a physical therapist, Pilates instructor, educator, author, and co-founder of PhysioFit Physical Therapy & Wellness. She is known as a keen, well-rounded expert of healing through movement and women’s health specialist in the Silicon Valley area.
Kim has helped men and women of all ages to stay active and feel their best. She also writes about managing pain in her health columns, blogs and the local Los Altos Town Crier newspaper as well as reaches out to the local community, support groups, schools, libraries, and sports centers to advise and educate on body awareness and therapeutic exercise.