Help! My Feet Hurt! Shoes You Should Buy If You’re Suffering From Bunions, Corns, Calluses or Hammer
That pair of stiletto heels might look great with your new dress, but wearing shoes that hurt your feet can have serious and painful long-term consequences. Corns - those sore bumps with the hard centers - are caused by ill-fitting shoes that apply pressure or friction to the sides and tops of your feet.
Hammertoe – a deformity that occurs when the second joint in the second, third or fourth toe becomes permanently bent – is a consequence of wearing shoes that are too tight or too narrow, or shoes with excessively tall heels. When toes are confined to these cramped quarters, the muscles in the toes actually shorten over time. Even bunions, which are generally thought to be a genetic condition, are exacerbated by wearing shoes that do not fit.
Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind. Avoid shoes that are too tight and shoes that are too loose. Tight shoes compress your foot causing unnecessary pressure. Loose shoes allow the shoe to rub back and forth against your foot – a repetitive motion that causes patches of hard, dry skin to form as the foot attempts to protect itself. Avoid wearing shoes without socks, even if it’s just a quick trip to the grocery store. Socks are there to protect your feet from friction! And beware of ill-fitting socks or socks with large seams that can also be a source of rubbing.
Check out the tips below for your specific condition:
Bunions: Purchase shoes with a wide toe box. Soft, flexible shoes without seams are best. You can also check your local drugstore for “bunion pads” which can provide localized protection.
Corns and Calluses: Shoes that don’t pinch or cramp the toes are a must. Corn and callus pads can easily be purchased at a pharmacy, while a toe separator might be helpful if the sore areas occur between the toes.
Hammertoe: A wide and deep toe box is absolutely essential for people with hammertoe. A toe crest pad (usually made out of leather or foam) also can help to relieve unnecessarily pressure on the tips of the toes that can lead to stress on the metatarsal shafts.
Hammertoe – a deformity that occurs when the second joint in the second, third or fourth toe becomes permanently bent – is a consequence of wearing shoes that are too tight or too narrow, or shoes with excessively tall heels. When toes are confined to these cramped quarters, the muscles in the toes actually shorten over time. Even bunions, which are generally thought to be a genetic condition, are exacerbated by wearing shoes that do not fit.
Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind. Avoid shoes that are too tight and shoes that are too loose. Tight shoes compress your foot causing unnecessary pressure. Loose shoes allow the shoe to rub back and forth against your foot – a repetitive motion that causes patches of hard, dry skin to form as the foot attempts to protect itself. Avoid wearing shoes without socks, even if it’s just a quick trip to the grocery store. Socks are there to protect your feet from friction! And beware of ill-fitting socks or socks with large seams that can also be a source of rubbing.
Check out the tips below for your specific condition:
Bunions: Purchase shoes with a wide toe box. Soft, flexible shoes without seams are best. You can also check your local drugstore for “bunion pads” which can provide localized protection.
Corns and Calluses: Shoes that don’t pinch or cramp the toes are a must. Corn and callus pads can easily be purchased at a pharmacy, while a toe separator might be helpful if the sore areas occur between the toes.
Hammertoe: A wide and deep toe box is absolutely essential for people with hammertoe. A toe crest pad (usually made out of leather or foam) also can help to relieve unnecessarily pressure on the tips of the toes that can lead to stress on the metatarsal shafts.