There are a variety of shoes that look…. rare…and claim to be able to alleviate lower extremity pain, including heel pain. MBT, Masei Barefoot Technology, is one such shoe that has been available for several years. These shoes have a soft heel and a rocker sole, which forces the foot to work more on the midfoot. Some patients have found relief with these shoes, and I would recommend them on occasion, but many find that the drastic change in gait causes new problems. These are not to be confused with “toning shoes” like Sketchers Shape-Ups, which have no therapeutic value.
The Z-coil shoe is another option. It has a visible heavy gauge coil attached to the heel. You appear to be walking on a pogo stick! While some people report pain relief, this is usually due to the elevated heel, which relieves pressure on the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon, rather than the unique construction. Commitment is required for the best results from shoes because they cause a significant change in gait, switching between these shoes and conventional shoes will result in ongoing muscle confusion, limiting the efficacy of all of them.
If you have heel discomfort, schedule an appointment with Houston podiatrist Dr. Shobowale. She will collaborate with you to eliminate and prevent heel discomfort. Call DeNiel Foot & Ankle Center today to put an end to your pain and anguish.
