While the topic of shoes often revolves around fashion and trends, it’s also important to have shoes that fit properly. Really, you ought not underestimate the importance of proper footwear. While it is especially important to have supportive and properly fitted footwear during exercise, it’s also important when it comes to all sorts of other activities.
Importance of Proper Footwear
Whether you work on your feet most of the day or have a special occasion to go to, the importance of proper footwear is vital to consider for your physical health.
The Anatomy of the Foot
Each of your feet has 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These various parts all work together to help you stay balanced, provide support, and ensure your mobility. The health of one’s feet is often overlooked, but it’s important to consider as your feet are what keeps you mobile. Injuries to your feet can impact your overall gate and alignment if not addressed. This is because issues with your feet and ankles can impact your knees, hips, and even your back. Focusing on keeping your feet supported can ensure your overall physical health when it comes to your gate and alignment.
Helpful Footwear Tips
Finding the right shoes for your unique foot can be tough, but it’s important for your foot and ankle health. Try some of these helpful tips when you are choosing footwear.
Proper Fit:
It is important to find shoes that fit you just right. This can be a challenge depending on what you are looking for and the shape of your feet. One podiatrist-approved tip is to ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of your shoes. You should also walk along a carpeted surface to be sure the shoes comfortably fit. If you cannot seem to find the right fit, you may need custom orthotics. Orthotics in Palmdale can help conform to your unique foot shape and ensure that your feet fit perfectly into your shoes.
Time and Place:
Once you have found the right shoes that support your feet, be sure and wear shoes that fit the occasion. For example, is you are going to a theme park for the day, wear properly fitting shoes that will provide you support throughout the day. Knowing when to wear what shoe can help keep your feet feeling healthy and supported.
Time to Go:
If you have had the same pair of tennis shoes for years, it’s time for them to go! One of the least talked about issues when it comes to shoes is knowing when to throw them out. While it completely depends on how often you wear them and how much wear-and-tear you put on them, all shoes have an expiration date. If you notice the soles of your shoes wearing but you still want to keep your them you can opt to have them resoled. If not, it’s likely time for them to go so you can replace them. The issue with old shoes is that they can wear down in certain places, which can throw off your alignment and cause foot and ankle pain.
Podiatrist in Thousand Oaks
If you are having issues with your feet and can’t seem to find shoes that fit properly, contact Foot & Ankle Concepts, Inc. They have a number of locations all over California, including Oxnard, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Camarillo, Palmdale, and Westlake. They are skilled at treating foot and ankle issues, including custom orthotics. Their team of experts is skilled in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle issues and can advise you on what shoes are right for your unique foot. Contact a podiatrist in Thousand Oaks today for an appointment!
