MakatiMed suggests that finding the right shoe fit can prevent bunions and backaches, regardless of personal fitness level or daily walking habits. Whether running or walking, footwear is inevitable due to daily wear and tear. MakatiMed underlines that the best first step to better foot health is getting the right fit since many people tend to stick to their shoe size for years.
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 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.
“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 catering 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 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, select shoes that can provide adequate support and protect your feet simultaneously, Dr. Arandia notes.
Whether counting daily steps, standing for long hours at work, or enjoying leisurely jogs with friends, investing in adequately fitted shoes is a small yet impactful healthy step towards achieving “happy feet” and easing back pain.
For more information, please get in touch with MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.
