We usually take our feet for granted and do not really pay much attention to them until something goes wrong. Some of these problems stem from wearing old and worn-out shoes. But the discomfort, particularly in your ankles and feet, should not prevent you from living your life to the fullest. The solution can be as simple as purchasing a new pair of shoes.
Every time you take a step, run, or leap, the complex system of joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments that make up your feet and ankles must operate together. Wearing proper footwear is one of the simplest and most crucial things you can do to prevent or help reduce foot pain. Therefore, make sure to always wear comfortable shoes and get rid of any ill-fitting or worn-out shoes.
Here is how wearing worn-out shoes may cause issues with your feet
Wearing shoes that have passed their "expiration date" may result in stress fractures, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, and foot pain. This is a result of the thin padding and support. Depending on your physical activity level and shoe design, you may want to consider replacing them after 6 to 12 months.
As experienced podiatrists, one of the most frequent issues we encounter is with old or worn-out shoes. Typically, people wear their oldest pair of shoes for daily activities, including work. Lack of support can result in issues like plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis, or other foot diseases. Old and worn-out shoes may also lose their flexibility and stretch, making them uncomfortable to wear.
In addition, walking and running in worn-out shoes can put more strain on our feet. Along with standing on our feet for long periods of time, we also place our feet in tight, stiff shoes, subject them to the abnormal angles of high heels, pound them against concrete and asphalt, and smother them in socks. It makes sense that the skin, muscles, joints, and ligaments in each of our feet occasionally cannot withstand all the strain. As our shoes have to expand out, this could result in blistering and/or other issues. For a diabetic, this could result in serious foot wounds or blisters.
An old shoe loses most of its cushion and support after 6 to 12 months, even though it still looks clean. It is advised to switch your shoes at least once a year. It needs to be changed even more frequently if you go for a run or jog every day.
There are many more immediate and long-term harmful side effects that you may encounter by wearing worn-out shoes.
Regardless of the kind and style of shoes, the worst shoes for your feet are the ones that do not properly fit you and provide the necessary support. Fortunately, orthopaedic shoes give your feet the support they require and help prevent these problems from occurring.
Final Thoughts
At Sydney Podiatry, we specialise in a wide range of foot health services with a strong emphasis on clinical diagnosis, management, and rehabilitation to help you get back on your feet. Given how much of our day is spent on our feet, it only makes sense to take the best possible care of them.
Our expert team of podiatrists can help get your feet back to their full health, regardless of whether you have skin and nail issues, vascular diseases, diabetic feet, bone and joint disorders, or muscular pathologies.