MakatiMed shares finding the perfect shoe fit helps prevent bunions and backache, too

 

It doesn’t matter if you’re a fitness enthusiast getting in on the latest run club craze or just someone who walks a ton during their daily commute, your feet will inevitably go through daily wear and tear.

This is why Charles Rainier F. Arandia, MD of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery in the top hospital in the Philippines Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed) emphasizes the impact of good foot health on overall well-being, saying, “Our feet provide balance and stability for our entire body. They aren’t only meant to help us run and walk, but they also help prevent falls and injuries and maintain good posture.”

One common mistake that leads to a range of foot problems is simply wearing ill-fitting shoes. “Most people don’t realize that they wear shoes that are too small, which harms their foot health especially if they have to wear dress shoes or stand in heels all day,” adds Dr. Arandia. “You could suffer from bunions and corns from wearing narrow shoes as well as plantar fasciitis and blisters if they’re too big or if they don’t have enough arch support. These can bring pain and discomfort and get in the way of your daily movements.”

When left neglected, your foot problems can eventually have a long-term impact on the knee, hip, and lower back. “By wearing improper shoes for your actual size, you’re adding strain to these parts and their muscles, ligaments, and joints. They can end up all misaligned, altering your gait, throwing off your body’s overall balance, and even giving you back pain,” says Dr. Arandia.

MakatiMed underlines that the best first step to better foot health is getting the right fit since a lot of people tend to stick to their shoe size for years.

“If you’re buying a new pair, measure your foot length from the tip of the big toe to the outer part of the heel at the end of the day when your feet are at their largest and leave about a finger’s width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe,” suggests Dr. Arandia. “Also check the width of your foot as the shoes should comfortably fit the ball of the foot and allow the toes to spread out naturally to improve stability.”

Consider your foot’s arches, too. “Many shoe brands today offer specific designs that’ll cater to your foot’s anatomy. Those with high arches should look at shoes with cushioned midsole to help absorb shock, whereas those with flat feet must find pairs that offer rigid or stable midsole for more support,” reminds Dr. Arandia. “The most important thing to consider is comfort, so when buying shoes, try them on while standing and walking around to ensure they fit well and don't cause any chafing or slipping.”

It’s also essential to factor in your activities when choosing new footwear. For instance, if you anticipate walking a lot during your daily commute, make sure to select shoes that can provide adequate support and protect your feet at the same time, Dr. Arandia notes.

Whether you’re counting daily steps, standing for long hours at work, or enjoying leisurely jogs with friends, investing in properly fitted shoes is a small yet impactful healthy step towards achieving “happy feet” and easing back pain, too.

For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.