It is not surprising that women tend to suffer from more foot-related problems than men.
Expensive is not always better
Most women are willing to pay for expensive, branded shoes. But these can unconsciously cause damage to their feet.
Some women tend to squeeze their feet into tiny, fashionable pointy shoes with at least 3 inch heels. These shoes, which tend to be thin-soled as well, can lead to deforming forces over a long period of time.
Ladies who walk and stand for at least more than three hours in a day should consider wearing lower heels of at most an inch.
Heels higher than that throw the body out of its natural alignment. This sometimes puts strain on the lower back and shortens calf muscles.
In extreme cases, barefoot walking may become so unbearable and painful that surgery is required to lengthen the calf muscles.
High-heeled shoes also cause the foot to slide forward which cramps the toes. This can lead to hammer toes, thickened toenails, stress fractures, Morton’s neuroma, calluses, sprains, bunions and joint pain.
In a study done by Harvard University in 1998, shoes with heel height of more than 5cm put more strain on the knees compared to shoes without heels. Strain on the knees can lead to osteoarthritis in the later part of life.
There is a common misperception that wedged shoes offer better support, but in truth, they are equally as damaging as stilettos, if they come with high heels.
The best time to shop for new shoes would be in the afternoon, as this is the time when feet swell. You can then pick shoes to accommodate feet that may have expanded.
| Tips on selection of shoes |
• Look for well-cushioned shoes with rubber soles
• Fastenings such as laces or buckle secure your footwear to your feet
• Provide at least a thumb's allowance from the longest toe to the top of the shoe
• Your heel should fit snugly at the back of the shoes
• Shoe toebox should be adequately wide and deep
• Shoes should only bendable at the toes
• Limit heel height to an inch if you walk for more than 3 hours daily
• Chunky heels provide for more stability
• Heel counter (where heels sit) should be stiff
• Look for leather shoe uppers that allow feet to breathe |
Toes have to work harder in shoes without the fastenings. So shoes should be well-cushioned, with a rubber sole and a strap or buckle that wraps around the foot to secure the shoe.
Take care of your toes
Provide a thumb's width allowance from the longest toe to the front of your shoes. Also, and ensure that there is enough width and depth across the forefoot.
If you are not sure if you have shoes of the right width, simply draw an outline of your foot on a piece of cardboard and cut it out, then transfer the template into the shoe. If the template creases at the sides when fitted into your shoe, then the shoe is not wide enough.
Do remember to purchase shoes that fit the bigger foot, since our feet do not come in the same size.
For those, who prefer to wear open-heeled sandals, make sure that the straps of your sandals shoes do not cut into the skin or rub against your skin to cause friction.
If your shoes cause constant blisters, check them again for the right fit. Rough surfaces may also chafe against your feet when you walk.
Always recheck your feet from time to time. Feet do not remain the same throughout your life. Most ladies tend to have broader feet and lower foot arches after pregnancy.
Women who are more attentive to the needs of their feet are likely to have fewer problems. Their feet would be happy without feeling the pinch and aches. In return, it would mean fewer visits to the medical professionals.
This article was contributed by Ms Kin Ismail, Senior Podiatrist, Singapore Footcare Centre.
