Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Not-So-Sunny Summer Shoes! Part 2

Gladiator-style sandals

            Gladiator sandals may cause blisters because the straps are located in areas where the foot can rub against it. The repeated friction irritates the foot and leads to blister formation. In addition, foot circulation can be compromised if the straps are placed too tight upon the foot. In many shoes straps are often associated with foot stability, but with this particular style this is not the case. This false sense of security can cause ankle sprains. Many gladiator sandals do not have adequate arch support and extended wear of these shoes can lead to arch pain.

Platforms

            Ankle sprains are common in shoes that do not have adequate stability. The increased height of platform shoes may lead to ankle rolling incidences and cause the wearer to lose balance and fall. Plus, these shoes do not function in shock absorption. As a result, pain may be experienced all through the lower extremity, hips, and lower back.

Wedged heels/Espadrilles

            Wearing shoes that elevate the heel is another way to compromise the stability of your ankle and then sprain it. The foot wobbles as a result of the heel height and leads to the off-balance that is implicated in ankle sprain. Metatarsalgia (pain at the ball of the foot) is also associated with this type of shoe because the elevation of the heel forces all the body weight onto your forefoot. The whole foot is designed to bear body weight, not just a portion of it!

Fashion sneakers

            Just because these shoes are called “sneakers” does not mean they are good for your feet! This foot wear typically has poor construction: too much flexibility and insufficient arch support.  The lack of arch support is what contributes to arch pain. In addition, the materials used in the construction of these shoes typically do not allow the foot to breathe.  So moisture from the foot gets trapped in the shoe leads to bromohidrosis (foot odor) and a fungus breeding ground leading to athlete’s foot.

Slingbacks

            Slingbacks cause pain at the toes because the elevated nature of the shoe pushes your forefoot into the cramped front portion of the shoe. Blisters occur at the region of the strap because the foot rubs up against the material. Also, ankle twisting is a problem with slingbacks since the heel inappropriately moves from side to side during walking.

Ballet flats/Slides

            These dainty shoes are not exactly the best shoes for your feet! The flat nature of ballet flats/slides and their lack of arch support places excessive pressure on the arch of the foot. Plantar fasciitis (pain from the arch to the heel) is a common result of inadequate arch support. Due to insufficient shock absorptive materials in the shoe, the heel ends up absorbing impact while walking leading to heel pain.

Follow these pieces of advice to ensure that you start your summer on the right step! No matter what the latest style trend is; happy, healthy feet are always in fashion!

Click Here to see shoe types and their adverse effects

Central Florida Foot and Ankle Center
101 6th St Nw
Winter Haven, Fl 33881
Phone: (863) 299-4551
www.FLFootandAnkle.com

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