Monday, March 25, 2013

How ill-fitting shoes can harm the body


Image Source: ripleys.com 


Making up almost 25 percent of the body’s bone structure, the feet are the foundation that lets people stand, walk, and run. In addition to holding the weight of the entire body, the feet hold a connection to total body wellness so they need the right cushion to function well.


In this fast-paced and proactive culture, wearing comfortable footwear is by far one of the best things to do to take care of the feet. However, many can’t resist the allure of pointed stilettos, elevator shoes, or a trendy 5-inch platform, that they tend to sacrifice comfort for the sake of style.




Image Source: ehow.com 


The habit of wearing the wrong shoes has repercussions, and some of them take time to develop. Wearing uncomfortable shoes can cause any of the bones in the feet to misalign, disrupting the transfer of signals from the foot to the central nervous system, and vice versa. This factor may explain how foot problems can cause other problems like fatigue and physiological changes.


 Another reason is that shoes tend to upset the body’s center of balance, leading to spine problems, migraines, joint degeneration, and knee osteoarthritis. Strutting in heels also puts the person at risk of developing shorter calf muscles, thicker Achilles tendons, foot deformities, ankle sprains, bunions, and fractures.




Image Source: indiacurrentaffairs.org 


But wearing flat shoes isn’t the solution. Flat shoes without arch support aren’t enough to absorb the pressure of the feet hitting the ground. This pressure gradually results to pain that climbs up from the arch of the foot up to the hip.


The best way to break the bad footwear routine is to wear such kinds of shoes in moderation. There are limits to what the feet can take, and giving them a rest from 5-inch heels can go a long way.  


Orthopedic surgeons like Norman K. Poppen, MD, advise people to choose footwear that provides the needed support and comfort. Learn more about bone health on this blog.