If your feet aren’t feeling up to par, it could be one of the following problems.
Plantar fasciitis – If you experience heel pain that is most severe when you first step out of bed in the morning, you may have plantar fasciitis. This condition results from excessive stress on the ligament on the bottom of the foot known as the plantar fascia. If you walk around in flip flops, ballet flats, or other shoes without proper support, you may experience this issue. In addition, wearing high heels frequently often results in tight calf muscles, which can also put strain on plantar fascia and cause pain.
Morton’s neuroma – A neuroma is a swollen growth of nerve tissue in the ball of the foot, and is often very painful. Morton’s neuromas most commonly occur between the third and fourth toes, and they are often caused by wearing shoes that force your toes into a cramped space, such as high heels, as well as shoes with a narrow toe box that constrict the toes.
Bunions – Excessive pronation and shoes can cause bunions. Women tend to have this problem more frequently because of the way they pronate when walking, and wearing shoes that are too tight can further irritate the problem. If you have pain on the side of the big toe joint that feels worse when shoes rub it, you could have a bunion. Switch to softer, more comfortable shoes and avoid those with a tight toe box.
Ankle sprain – Do you wear boots with high heels during inclement weather? Although this may look fashionable, wearing high heels leaves you susceptible to falls and painful ankle sprains. If you’re going to be walking on any slippery surfaces, it’s best to wear supportive shoes without high heels to protect yourself from this type of accident. And, save the high heels for occasional use, alternating them with more supportive, lower-heeled shoes when possible. An ankle sprain takes several weeks to heal, so be safe – and smart – about footwear!
Don’t let foot problems stand in your way! Ladies, choose your footwear carefully and never wear shoes that are too tight or uncomfortable. And if you have any foot pain, don’t assume it will go away on its own. Many of these issues can be addressed with non-invasive options when caught early. Talk to an experienced podiatrist who can address the issue and help you get back to a healthy, active life as quickly as possible.
