Just as a house will fall if it does not have a good foundation, your overall health will suffer if your feet and ankles are not strong and healthy. Every part of your body is interconnected. If you suffer from foot and ankle injuries, wounds, pain or discomfort, you might also suffer from back and joint pain, poor posture, and tight muscles.
There are ways to improve your foot and ankle health, and you can start by purchasing a new pair of shoes!
Why Are Shoes Important?
Shoes serve a greater purpose than assisting with athletic performance or adding a pop of color to your evening outfit. They protect your feet and ankles and ultimately contribute to healthier joints and muscles. Shoes with good arch support can help alleviate the symptoms of shin splints, plantar fasciitis and arthritis.
On the contrary, shoes with poor arch support and extensive wear and tear can contribute to further injuries, pain, wounds, and discomfort. Is it time for you to buy a new pair of shoes? Let’s find out!
Is It Time?
There are several factors that indicate it is time for you to grab your wallet and visit a shoe store.
- You are experiencing foot, ankle, shin or back pain that you haven’t experienced before. If you notice any new pain or discomfort, particularly after working out or wearing your shoes for an extended period of time, this is a sign that they are probably too tight, loose or worn down.
- Your shoe curves upwards or leans to one side when placed flat on the ground. This indicates that your shoe is more worn down in one place than another. This does not provide proper arch support and is bad for your posture.
- You can easily bend your shoes in half. This is a sign that they have been stretched out from use and no longer effectively support your feet.
- There are visible holes, tears or wrinkles in the material.
- You can feel the ground through the shoes. You should not be able to feel every detail of the ground beneath your feet. If walking on gravel or concrete is uncomfortable for you, it’s time to say goodbye to those shoes.
- You don’t own a pair of shoes with good arch support. If you simply do not own a pair of shoes with good arch support, it’s time to buy some! If you are required to wear heals, sandals or flats during the day, make sure you give your body a break by wearing good, protective tennis shoes when you can.
If you have an active lifestyle, you will likely have to change your shoes more often than some. It might be expensive, but it is a worthwhile investment! Your foot and ankle health is incredibly important.
If you have any concerns regarding your foot and ankle health, don’t hesitate to contact our foot and ankle experts at Hampton Roads Orthopaedics Spine and Sports Medicine. As board certified physicians, Dr. Keller and Dr. Brassell believe each patient deserves to have the information needed to make good choices about their foot and ankle care. Call (757) 873-1554.
