Choosing the correct shoe can go a long way in maintaining the long term health of your foot. By wearing properly fitting shoes, your feet can remain comfortable while saving your foot from common painful ailments that affect many people every day. One of the immediate effects of poor fitting shoes is painful blisters that form if your shoe is applying constant pressure and rubbing on the same area of your foot or ankle. When first purchasing a shoe, it is a common belief that if it is a tight fit, it will stretch out upon wearing them. This is a trap that many people fall into that is tough to get out of. Many shoe materials do not stretch or will take a long time to do so. It is imperative to purchase a shoe that fits comfortably when you first put them on.

Your shoes can also be an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and fungus. Common conditions such as Athlete’s Foot occur because our feet spend too much time in shoes. Ideal circumstances for fungus and bacteria to grow are warm, dark, and humid places. Fungal and bacterial conditions can cause redness, blisters, itchiness, and peeling. If not treated and maintained correctly, an infection may occur that is often difficult to cure. It is recommended that individuals take off their shoes as often as possible, especially if your foot is prone to sweat. Also, changing your socks as often as possible is a good measure that will help keep your feet dry. In addition, applying foot powder routinely may make it difficult for fungus and bacteria to grow and spread.

Choosing the right shoe also helps to fight unsightly growths such as corns and calluses. Corns and calluses, like blisters, are caused when certain areas of your feet are exposed to pressure and friction. These mostly occur near bony areas of your feet that are constantly rubbing up against shoes that are too tight or improperly fitted. Over the counter medications are available to help contain the issue but may not properly or effectively treat the affected area. Wearing shoes that fit better or putting special inserts in your shoe may help to treat these afflictions as well, but it is important to see a podiatrist prior to attempting any of these methods.

A big challenge when considering the health of your foot is choosing a shoe that fits perfectly while retaining style. Something to keep in mind when searching for the right shoe is that leather is a safe bet. Leather breathes like skin to keep your foot cool and dry. Also, leather molds to your foot easier than cheaper canvas material to prevent any sort of unnecessary pressure and rubbing. Do not assume that you are a certain size each time you buy shoes. Try on every pair of shoes that you buy and make sure that they are roomy enough to wiggle all of your toes. Wearing the correct pair of shoes is imperative to your foot health, so the next time someone tells you to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes, make sure that they are comfortable and fit properly.

Author Bio: Dr. Robert Neufeld, DPM is a board-certified podiatrist specializing in the treatment of foot and ankle pain. Dr. Neufeld started a private practice in 1983, & became a professional member of prestigious organizations such as the New Jersey Podiatric Medical Society. http://www.robertneufeld.com

Category: Advice
Keywords: feet,foot,podiatry,shoes,wearing the right shoes,podiatrist