Did you know that up to 80% of men wear the wrong size shoe, and 90% of American women admit to owning at least one or two pairs of shoes that fit poorly, but they still wear them because they are so stylish? As part of our new patient visit, we examine patients' shoes as well as their feet and ankles. Most men over the age of 60 are wearing shoes 1 to 1.5 sizes too small for their feet. It can be hard to give up shoes that we spent so much money on or are emotionally attached, (but I love these shoes!) Feet change and spread out as we age due to weight gain and ligaments stretching out. Swelling from arthritis can cause shoes to feel tighter. The loafers you wore in your 30s may be causing a corn on your 5th toe in your 60s.
Ill-fitting shoes lead to:
Blisters
Ingrown toenails
Corns
Calluses
Wounds
Wearing properly fitted shoes that provide the right amount of support can help you avoid these painful foot conditions. We recommend having your feet measured with a Branock device. (You probably remember what it looks like from the days your mom took you back to school shoe shopping!) Everyone likes a bargain and online shopping can be a great way to save money, but you may end up in the doctor's office with an ingrown toenail. We suggest going to a shoe store to have both feet measured. I recommend patients tell the sales team what type of shoe they are looking for, rather than picking a shoe off the wall. For example, I instruct patients to say "Dr. K said I need shoes with a wide deep toe box for my bunion to accommodate an orthotic that I can wear for everyday use. Can you please measure my feet?" What a shoe store has on the wall is not a representation of all the shoes that they have.
If you are struggling with foot pain, bunion, hammertoes, or ingrown toenails before you make an appointment check out your shoes. It may be time to replace them. If you have questions about your foot health and what type of shoe you need we would be happy to see you!
If you or someone you know has pain in their feet or ankles Dr. Michele Kurlanski is here to help. We can evaluate your feet and make recommendations on proper stretching, what shoes to wear. Call us today at (207) 774-0028 to schedule your next appointment at our location in Scarborough, Maine!
