Did you know there’s a day dedicated to measuring your feet called National Measure Your Feet Day? While this may seem to be a ridiculous reason for a party, it is really quite significant.
Consider the following facts: Approximately 80% of men wear the wrong shoe size, and at least 90% of female Americans say they have a pair of shoes that fit poorly. But they still find their way inside them on a regular basis!
Now, that’s quite a number of individuals who wear shoes that pinch, rub, and cause pain. It’s not always a huge deal, so you may still not be into this holiday. If you believe a national foot-measuring call to arms is unnecessary, consider this.
The Consequences of Choosing the Wrong Shoe Size
These are just a few of the issues that might arise from wearing shoes that don’t fit properly.
This is a disorder in which your toes deform due to a muscle imbalance. That imbalance is often present at birth. However, it may also be a result of trauma. That’s when we have to have a look at your footwear.
You see, if you’ve previously hurt your toe, it might impair your toe joints. The weaker joints are more prone to collapse, whether you broke or jammed that toe. Then there’s the issue of tight shoes or shoes that aren’t long enough. Because your toe will jam against the edge of your shoe if it is too short, increasing the risk of deformity. Your toes will be squashed up if your shoe is overly tight and sharp. You’ll also raise your chances of developing a malformation.
In general, I don’t think that hammertoe is caused only by shoes. However, I think they have the potential to exacerbate current imbalances. They may also exaggerate the other difficulties I’m going to mention.
Bunions
Bunions are bumps at the base of your great toe that develop over time. Why does this bump exist? It is the enlargement of the head of the metatarsal bone in your foot. And that isn’t the only thing. The larger the bump on your foot, the more your big toe is forced to travel towards your other toes. Then you could observe hammer toes or crossed toes.
Bunions, like hammertoes, are also caused by mechanical difficulties. Shoes, on the other hand, have a greater impact in bunion development than in hammertoes. (This is the reason why more women than men men get bunions.) Because the incorrect footwear might put your big toe in an awkward position. This may hasten bunion development, increasing your chances of needing bunion surgery.
Corns
In contrast to the first two conditions, corns are directly related to shoe issues. Corns are areas of thickened skin. When you put pressure on your skin, it forms layers to protect itself. It’s possible that the pressure is due to mechanical issues. However, it is often caused by wearing the incorrect shoes.
That’s why, when I treat corns, I carefully consider your footwear selection. Unless the pressure is relieved by changing your shoes, it will just appear again, even if I remove your corn seed.
These issues may be linked to the shoes we wear. Your heels will rub against the backs of your shoes if they are too tight, causing blisters. You’ll slide into the shoes if they’re too large. Blisters may form as a result of the friction.
With ingrown toenails, you’re in the same boat. Your nail will jam against the end of your shoe if your shoes are too small. And that trauma may cause your nails to grow inside instead of outward. What if, however, the shoes are too big? This isn’t good. They strike the edge of your shoe as they slip forward. And now you’re in serious trouble!
Choosing the Correct Shoe Size
I’m hoping you’ve realized the dangers of wearing shoes that don’t fit. So, what’s the greatest strategy to stay away from issues? Of course, you should wear supportive, well-fitting footwear. And how can you be sure that your feet are properly measured and that your shoes are properly fitted?
A Brannock device
The best measurement is obtained by using a Brannock device. That’s the silver tool you’ll see at almost every shoe shop. It also measures your foot’s length and width, as well as the distance between the heel and the ball of your foot.
Now, that second measurement is quite important. It establishes the points at which the shoes flex and bend while you walk. Thankfully, though, you do not need to visit a shoe shop in order to get these figures. (However, in-person shoe shopping is preferable.) Because this is what you must do if you want to replicate this sort of measurement at home.
Use a shoe you already own to find the widest part of your foot.
Check to see whether it’s filling up the widest area of your foot or if it’s closer to your shoe’s arch.
What if your foot’s widest section doesn’t match the broadest part of your shoe? You’ll need to wear a shoe with a wider width and a lower size.
Keep in mind that your feet are much too valuable to be squeezed into ill-fitting shoes! And it’s my responsibility to keep you from making that mistake. Because of this, I encourage you to make every day a shoe-fitting holiday! Every time you put on shoes, make sure they are the correct size.
