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.

Buckle and stress: The different types of fracture

Image Source: besthealthbenefits.info

Most people assume that a bone “fracture” is an injury less severe than a bone “break.” In fact, bone “breaks” and “fractures” are one and the same. The term “break” or “broken” is simply not an orthopedically accepted for describing damage to bones. Bone fractures are not limited to people with active lifestyles– even celebrities break their bones.


A bone can be fractured in several ways. Determining what kind of fracture has occurred helps set the bone for recovery. In diagnosing a fractured bone, doctors first check if the fracture is simple or compound. A simple fracture, also known as a closed fracture, is a bone fracture where the skin remains intact. Although simple fractures cause severe pain, they are sometimes mistaken for other types of injury because the broken bone remains concealed. When the broken bone penetrates the skin, it is a compound or open fracture. Open fractures put a patient at a higher risk of infection.

Image Source: ceessentials.net

Whether simple or compound, fractures are further classified into types. These are the most common:


• A greenstick fracture is an incomplete fracture. The bone is bent rather than broken off. This is most common among children as their bones are strong yet flexible. An adult would likely have more brittle bones which would snap instead of bend.


• A transverse fracture is a fracture that puts a bone at a right angle to its axis.


• A comminuted fracture is when the fractured bone fragments into several pieces. An open comminuted fracture is slightly more dangerous than other types of breaks as scattered fragments take longer to heal and, as such, are exposed to the risk of infection for a longer time.

Image Source: physicsworld.com

Bone fractures should not be taken lightly. Leaving a fractured bone untreated can result in myriad complications, including infection and paralysis.




Recommendations for exercises and stretches to strengthen bones come from expert like Norman K. Poppen, M.D.  Visit this website for such details.