How Poor Fitting Shoes Can Lead To Foot Problems

If you think the only consequence associated with ill-fitting shoes is occasional pain, think again. This is because ill-fitting shoes can result in a variety of conditions that will not only make your foot look unattractive, but will also cause it to be in pain for a much longer period of time, whether the shoes are on them or not. This article will discuss the common conditions that can develop if a person continuously wears ill-fitting shoes.

Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia is a set of tissues that are located on the bottom of the foot. Usually these tissues do not cause a person any problem, but when one wears tight-fitting shoes for too long they can develop plantar fasciitis. With this condition the area becomes inflamed because the plantar fascia becomes stretched out. Heel pain can also be a problem since the condition can result in too much weight being placed on the heel. The best solution for healing for plantar fasciitis is for a person to stay off their feet, (especially if they like to walk barefoot). They should also make sure they do not continue to wear ill-fitting shoes.

Bunions

Bunions are fluid-filled bumps that form in the joints of the big toes. Although they may not be painful, they are an eyesore as they make the foot look unusual. They can be fixed through orthopedic shoes with a wide toe box and/or surgery.

Corns & Calluses

Corns are an accumulation of dead skin cells found on the toes or the top or side portions of the foot. They are painful since they can expose the nerves of the foot. Calluses also produce similar symptoms as they are also an accumulation of dead skin cells, yet there's still a difference. With calluses the dead skin cells get accumulated on the bottom of the foot.

Morton's Neuroma Metatarsalgia

With this condition the metatarsal area of the foot becomes inflamed. This is an area that is around the ball of the foot. What happens is the bones in the area squeeze the nerves, resulting in a lot of pain. Sufferers need to wear shoes that have both a wider toe box as well as extra arch support.

Hammertoes and Claw Toes

Hammertoes is a condition that causes the toes to elevate to a position that is not normal. The only toe that cannot be affected is the big toe. Either way, it can result in a lot of pain for the sufferer. Claw Toes are similar to hammertoes except that it can result in ingrown toenails, a condition that makes the health of the foot even worse. With an ingrown toenail, the toenail grows into the skin rather than outside of it, (which is what a toenail is supposed to do). This results in very intense pain as well as the possibility of infection. And if infection happens, the foot condition can become very serious, which is why it's very important that ill-fitting shoes are avoided both during the infliction and after.

Source: http://www.classicarticles.com/Article/How-Poor-Fitting-Shoes-Can-Lead-To-Foot-Problems/42836