Poor footwear choice can cause more than foot pain, especially in summer (2024)

FAQs

Poor footwear choice can cause more than foot pain, especially in summer? ›

“Shoes that are too tight, too loose or without enough support, can lead to unwanted stress on the feet, ankles, lower leg, hip and spine,” according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. “This ongoing pressure can cause pain and injuries that may limit or prevent participation in work, sports and hobbies.”

You probably already know that ill-fitting shoes often contribute to painful blisters on your feet, but blisters are far from the only foot injury caused by shoes. Wearing the wrong pair of shoes can increase your risk of developing foot pain, stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, and more.

A multitude of foot problems can appear in the warmer months as we trade our cotton socks and supportive shoes for flip flops, our heels dry out from more exposure to the elements, and we clip our nails in a hurry and leave a sharp edge. Our heels need love and attention to prevent dryness and cracking.

Wearing worn-out shoes affects more than just your foot and ankle health. It can add stress to your back, knees, and feet and cause improper alignment throughout the body, which can be extremely painful. Further, when shoes do not fit properly, leg muscles must work harder, adding to the pain and fatigue.

There are a few disadvantages of wearing open-toed shoes during summers. One is that your feet can get extremely sweaty, which can lead to bacteria growth and an unpleasant smell. Additionally, if you have any cuts or abrasions on your feet, they are more susceptible to infection when exposed to the elements.

This most often occurs between the third and fourth toes, which is termed a Morton's neuroma. A neuroma may develop secondary to injury, improper or ill-fitting shoes, high heels, repetitive stress, or foot deformities (hammertoes, bunions, flat feet, high arches, etc.).

Sweaty Feet: Sweaty feet during the warmer months are a given, but you must do your best to manage them. Not only is it annoying, but dampness and sweat are major contributors to other summer foot conditions, such as fungal infections, persistently itchy skin, and blisters.

“Instead opt for materials that are breathable and foot-friendly–leather and canvas are popular choices as they facilitate better air circulation and natural materials like cotton and linen can also be breathable options, however, they tend to absorb moisture and so should be avoided during the monsoon.” As tempted as ...

Is it better to be barefoot or wear shoes? ›

Those who go shoeless take shorter, more frequent strides and have stronger feet with fewer foot and toe deformities. And those who don't wear shoes typically have higher arches, too. Going barefoot even helps with balance issues.

Therefore, wearing trainers continually can lead to poor foot posture (spreading or flat feet) or to the feet becoming wider. This widening process is hard to reverse. Therefore, trainers should be worn only in moderation, because healthy feet generally do not need such extreme cushioning.

Foot Health: Wearing the same shoes daily can lead to the accumulation of moisture and sweat inside the shoes, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Alternating shoes allows them to dry out and reduces the risk of foot-related problems.

Avoid being barefoot

Some find it comfy to be barefoot in the shoes during summer, but if you have problems with the feet odour, it may be better to have socks, which absorb some of the sweat and reduce the friction between the foot and shoe, which can cause chafing, etc.

Plus, going shoeless for an extended amount of time can alter the biomechanics of your feet for the worse, Cunha says. Over the long run, this could accelerate the formation of bunions and hammertoes, or lead to conditions such as plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and Achilles tendonitis.

Most people wait too long before replacing their shoes and as a result, suffer pain from wearing the same worn pair day after day. Heel spurs, achy soles and ankles, tender knees, and stress fractures are all common complaints from patients who have waited too long to replace their shoes.

Treat Minor Foot Pain at Home

Massage them to ease tension and aches. Wear shoe inserts. You can try over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication for pain, but be sure to follow the label directions. If over-the-counter inserts don't give you enough support, your doctor may recommend prescription orthotics.

Pain on the outside of a person's foot can occur before, during, or after activities such as walking. It can make standing or moving around difficult. Possible causes include joint or tendon inflammation and small fractures. Lateral foot pain is pain that runs along the outer side of the foot and ankle.