Helping Feet with the Right Shoes

Women are susceptible to several different foot conditions due—at least in part—to their shoe choices. Foot pain can be mentally and physically hobbling, impairing your ability to stand, walk and perform activities of daily living. It can also make you self-conscious about the appearance of your feet. Learn what you can do to treat common foot issues at home and when you should see a medical professional.

The shooting pain you feel in your heel as you walk after an hour of sitting at your desk could be due to plantar fasciitis —inflammation of the tissue that runs the length of the foot, joining the heel and toes. You likely have a structural problem in the foot that caused the condition, but wearing flat, non-supportive shoes could worsen it.

Try taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications and performing leg stretches—the tissue in your feet will stretch in the process—to relieve discomfort. If pain lasts longer than a month or two, see a physician.

Feel like you have a small rock stuck to the side of your big toe? The painful bump is probably a bunion, a little bony outcropping that develops over time as mechanics and tight shoes, such as pointed-toe high heels, bunch the toes together. Swap shoes with pointed toe boxes for ones that allow your toes to wiggle, and use a bunion pad to bring the bump down in size. If the bunion gets bigger or more painful, seek medical attention.

According to the American Osteopathic Association, ten percent of women wear high heels at least three days a week. High heels cause a litany of foot problems, including hammertoes and corns. Frequently wearing high heels can exacerbate Haglund's deformity, also known as pump bump, a bony protrusion on the back of the heel that becomes irritated when it rubs against the backs of elevated-heel shoes.

The abnormal positions of the toes can cause the tops of the joints to rub against the shoes, causing corns, or patches of thick skin, to form. Switching to more comfortable shoes before the toes become rigid may halt or improve the progression of hammertoes. If the condition is severe, surgery may be necessary.

When shoe shopping, resist the temptation to purchase the pairs that look fierce but are likely to be torture chambers on your feet. Instead, let function and comfort guide your selections.

• Athletic shoes — Choose based on your sport or activity, preferably from a store that specializes in athletic shoes. Try on shoes in the late afternoon or evening when your feet have swollen and are at their peak size for the day. Ensure the shoes hug your heels and don't constrict your toes.
• Boots — High-heeled boots may look chic, but the shoes fall short when put to the test on icy surfaces. Choose boots with low heels and rubber soles that will help you stay on your feet this winter.
• High heels — These shoes have been linked with nerve damage in the feet, injury to the tendons in the legs and low-back pain. Only wear shoes with roomy toe boxes and wide heels less than two inches tall, and don high heels in moderation.

Treat your feet with the respect and consideration they deserve. If you ignore foot pain, you may eventually find that your ever-reliable feet aren't so dependable anymore.

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