The worst shoes for your feet

All our lives we've grown with the slogan "Beauty is pain", come to think of it, does it really have to be pain? and if at the end of the day we are left sporting 'avoidable' deformities, where is the beauty in that?

Today, we focus on the 6  worst shoes for your feet and if you are willing... the solutions.

1) Ultra-High Heels

Heels are getting higher and higher, ultra-high heels can lead to everything from ankle sprains to chronic pain.  

(A) Pump Bump

Whether they're sky-high or mid-heel, this style is notorious for causing a painful knot on the back of the heel. The rigid material presses on a bony deformity some women have called a "pump bump."  The pressure leads to blisters, swelling, bursitis, even pain in the Achilles tendon.  Ice, orthotics (a specialty within the medical field. An externally applied device is used to modify the structural and functional characteristics of the neuromuscular and skeletal system) and heel pads may provide pain relief …along with better shoes. The bony protrusion is permanent.

(B) Unnatural Foot Position

Ultra-high heels force the feet into a position that puts stress on the ball of the foot. Too much pressure can inflame these bones or the nerves that surround them. Chronic stress to the foot bones can even lead to hairline fractures.

(C)  Ankle Sprains
All high heels boost the risk of an ankle sprain. The most common problem is a lateral sprain, which happens when you roll onto the outside of your foot. This stretches the ankle ligaments beyond their normal length. A severe sprain may tear the ligaments. A sprained ankle should be immobilized and may need physical therapy to heal properly. The risk of developing osteoarthritis rises with a severe sprain or fracture of the ankle.

Solution: Go Low

Switching to lower heels will help you avoid problems. The lower you go, the more natural your foot position will be. We suggest choosing heels that are no more than 2 inches high -- and even those should be worn in moderation.

2) Stilettos

Although all high heels can cause problems, the ultra narrow heels of stilettos are particularly risky. The weight is pinpointed on one area,that makes you wobble like you're walking on stilts. The result is that you're more likely to trip and sprain your ankle.

Solution: Chunky Heels

A chunky heel has more surface area and distributes your weight more evenly. This makes the feet much more stable when compared to stilettos or spindle heels. Although thick high heels can still put stress on the ball of your foot, they may reduce the tripping hazard by minimizing your wobble.

3) Ballet Flats

These dainty shoes can be compared to walking on cardboard. There's no arch support whatsoever, which keeps the feet from functioning optimally and can lead to knee, hip, and back problems. Poor arch support is also associated with a painful foot condition called plantar fasciitis.

Solution: Orthotic Inserts or just buy a 'Not So-Flat' shoe

Inserts may help prevent mild foot pain. Heel pads can provide extra cushioning for achy heels. And custom orthotics can ease a whole range of foot pains and problems. Podiatrists prescribe these inserts to provide arch support and reduce pressure on sensitive areas.

4)  Platform Shoes

Platform shoes and wedges tend to have rigid foot beds. Your foot is trying to bend a certain way, but the shoe is fighting you because it's so rigid. If the heel of the platform is much higher than the toe area, the shoe also puts pressure on the metatarsal bones.

Better: Flatter Platforms

Although still not recommended, a flatter platform shoe may put less strain on your feet than its peers. Look for a wide wedge or platform that is nearly parallel with the ground. This will lessen the pressure on the ball of the foot. However, the rigid sole remains a barrier to the natural walking motion.

5) Pointy Toes

They might be stylish, but shoes with pointy toes squeeze the entire front of your foot together. After time, this can cause nerve pain, bunions, blisters, and hammertoes. Some women even develop bruises under their toenails from the constant pressure

(A) Bunions

A bunion is a painful lump at the base of the big toe, which may cause the toe to bend unnaturally. It forms when the tissue or bone at the base joint gets displaced. This may happen after years of abnormal pressure and movement. Pointy-toed shoes are a common factor, which explains the prevalence of bunions among women.

(B) Toe Deformities

 

High heeled shoes push too much body weight toward the toes and then squeeze them together. Over time, the result can be hammertoe (early stage, lower right), abnormal bends in the toe joints that can gradually become rigid. Surgery is sometimes needed to relieve the pain of severe hammertoe. Crowding can cause other toe deformities, along with continuous shoe friction, leading to painful corns and calluses.

Solution: Wide Toe Box or  Performance Pumps

You can avoid the pointy toe perils by selecting boxier shoes. If that style doesn't appeal to you, look for shoes that slope to a point beyond the edge of your toes. A healthy style won't pinch the tips or sides of your toes.

Many women are unwilling to trade style for comfort, but you may not have to choose between the two. Performance pumps offer a sound compromise, taking both fashion and your health into consideration. They are typically made with reinforced heels, athletic shoe construction, and more wiggle room for your toes.

6) Wrong Size Shoes

Nine out of 10 women are wearing shoes that are too small. The consequences aren't pretty – calluses, blisters, bunions, corns, and other problems. The constant rubbing can irritate the joints in the foot and lead to arthritis. Research suggests many kids are also wearing the wrong shoe size, which puts them at risk for foot deformities as they grow.

Men's Trends

Pointy-toed shoes have crossed the gender line. This footwear fad carries the same risk in men as in women – including hammertoes, bunions, and pain. To avoid these problems, stick with a boxier toe. At the office, a classic pair of oxfords or loafers may not turn heads, but your feet will thank you.

Fitness Trends: Minimalist Shoe

Newer additions to the shoe scene are minimalist shoes. They aim to mimic the natural feel and mechanics of walking barefoot. Please note: There's no support for your heel or arch and no shock absorption.

3 Tips for Better Shoes

If you're ready to do right by your feet, Brenner offers these three tips:

1)      Make sure the shoe bends at the toe box, but is not too flexible.

2)      Make sure there is a sufficient arch support.

3)      Choose a chunky heel that is less than 2 inches high.

Ref: WebMD