We all know that Barbie’s measurements are impossible. But what about her shoes? What are fashionable shoes doing to our feet? There’s a reason your mom always took you to a shoe store that measured your feet. While it was true that back then that your feet probably grew each time you needed new shoes, what about now? When was the last time you had your feet measured as an adult? Feet change over the years and so should your shoes. Wearing the wrong size shoes can result in all kinds of problems. Hammer toe, a condition in which the toe is permanently bent from wearing high heels or tight shoes could cause you to need surgery. Wearing shoes with more space around the toe area will help prevent this condition. Tight shoes can also result in bunions – painful bumps on the side of your joint at the base of your big toe. A well-fitting shoe with a wide, deep toe box can make a difference. Corns and calluses are other conditions that can develop from tight-fitting shoes. Bottom line? Be sure your shoes fit well. Mochilas Fjallraven Kanken Infantil What about high heels? While they may make you feel like a runway supermodel at first, down the line they can cause serious damage. One problem that results from high heels is bursitis, a bump, usually on the back of the heel and usually caused by pumps. Podiatrists recommend wearing slingback shoes to prevent this. nike x fragment Too much pressure on the foot when in an unnatural position can cause inflammation in foot bones and nerves and even cause hairline fractures. Another malady resulting from high heels is called plantar fascia – a painful condition in which the connective tissue at the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed. High heels can also cause calluses and corns, nerve damage, Achilles tendonitis, ingrown toenails, osteoarthritis in the knees, and lower back pain – not to mention the potential for a sprained ankle. How does someone avoid these problems? Podiatrists recommend keeping heels to no more than two inches high and limiting high heels to a few times a week. Chunky heels distribute weight more evenly than stilettos and can prevent tripping and sprained ankles. Mochilas Kanken Big As always, make sure shoes fit well and have good support. All this talk about the dangers of high heels can make you go running straight for a pair of ballet flats. Not so fast – ballet flats offer little to no support and can cause just as much damage – such as plantar fascia and problems with knees, hips and back. nike air max 2017 Orthotic inserts can help prevent these problems with flat shoes. Sometimes they’re even covered by your insurance. What about cheap shoes? Can they damage your feet? Yes. You don’t have to spend a fortune to keep your feet healthy, but you should look for shoes that have a good, flexible sole and strong arch support. Fjallraven Kanken NO.2 Backpack They should fit well and have plenty of toe room. Also, they should provide protection. Shoes like flip-flops don’t have the protective coverage needed to prevent splinters and other injuries… sort of defeats the purpose of shoes in the first place, right? Apart from buying the right shoes, what kind of foot care can prevent these maladies? If you’re diabetic, it’s important to check your feet every day – check for changes like sores, bumps or blisters. If you find problems, see your doctor or podiatrist right away. For the rest of us, keep feet clean and dry. Be sure to dry between the toes, wear the right size shoe, and have strong arch support. Be careful when cutting toenails – cut them straight across and file gently. Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes every day – try to alternate. Also wear shoes that fit the day’s activity (e.g. Fjallraven Kanken Mini running shoes for running).