“The shoes you wear can make you feel slim, sexy and stylish — or they can leave you wincing in pain,” wrote Natalie Mackenzie on FoxNews.com.
So how do the different shoes we wear affect our foot health?
Flip-Flops: Only a thin strap and your bunched toes keeping your flip-flops from flying off. This constant gripping action makes it impossible to flex your arch normally, compromising the way your forefoot pushes off when you step forward. This forces your hips and knees to absorb most of the impact. Furthermore, flip-flops shorten your stride, which, over time, may lead to lower-body fatigue.
High Heels: If you wear high heels most of the time, you may be doing long term damage to your body. A 2011 Danish study found that walking in heels can increase the risk of osteoarthritis by as much as six times. Furthermore, studies have found that wearing high heels daily can actually the decrease your calorie burn, adding as much as 5-pounds over a year’s time!
Flats: These shoes lack the internal support found in sneakers. Because of this, wearing flats can cause the ligaments and tendons along the bottom of your foot can overstretch and the arch can collapse. This can lead to painful foot conditions, such as plantar fasciitis. Studies have also found that women wearing flats put about 25 percent more impact on the heel with each step.
So before reaching for your favorite fashionable pair of shoes, stop and think about the long-term damage you could be doing to your body.
If you have any questions about Foot Health or if you wish to schedule an appointment with one of our podiatric specialists, please contact We Treat Feet Podiatry in Maryland by visiting our website or click here to view our various locations and phone numbers!
About We Treat Feet Podiatry:
We Treat Feet! That’s what we do. From the simplest nail problems, to the most complex foot deformities, we provide exceptional care in a kind and compassionate manner. We offer board certified physicians that have spent years learning the intricate structures and functions of the human foot and ankle. No knees or elbows here, only the best foot and ankle care in Maryland.
From heel pain, bunions, Sports medicine injuries, broken bones, neuromas, hammertoes, and flatfeet to Achilles tendon problems, we have the most modern technology available to help you, including digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, and vascular testing equipment.
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