Your Shoes May Be Causing Ball Of Foot Pain

An attractive pair of designer shoes are the most coveted and sought-after items in a woman’s wardrobe. As a result, high-heeled shoes have become a stand-alone way of showing our fashion sense. However, when these kinds of shoes are consistently used, a host of issues to our precious feet. Among them: metatarsalgia, hammertoes, bunions, and arch support issues. As expected, the University of Maryland reported that ill-fitting shoes, especially those with a raised heel, can both aggravate and cause foot and toe issues. Men also have to be concerned with the perils of ill-fitting shoes. Certain types of shoes, such as rigid work boots or dress shoes can also cause foot pain. For both genders, physical activities and sports can be a main factor in foot discomfort.

Why Poorly-Fitting Shoes Can Cause Ball Of Foot Pain

High heels cause the foot to be pushed forward and onto the ball of the foot. This forces more pressure onto the front of the foot rather than evenly spreading weight over the whole foot. A combination of bad cushioning and excessive pressure can cause major foot discomfort. Special tissues located in the bottom of the foot help to shield it from injury. But the foot cannot carry out this by itself. Cushioning and arch support in the shoes help to rebalance weight and absorb the energy of activities such as walking, running, jumping, and heavy lifting. Thus, it is very important to purchase shoes with excellent arch support and cushioning.

Ill-fitting shoes are another key reason why feet can develop painful conditions for both genders. In females, shoes that are too tight, especially in the toe area, are the reasons for most foot pain experienced. Heels also cause issues because they cannot provide the foot with the right amount of arch support which can cause the arch to fall and be a main contributor of foot pain. For men, hard, flat work shoes can present their own set of of difficulties. Simply put, arch support is missing in these kinds of shoes, so they are bad choices for daily footwear. According to the Mayo Clinic, poor shoe choices can actually cause fallen arches, especially during repeated physical strain on the feet such as in athletic activity or lifting heavy things.

Why You May Need Orthotics if You Experience Ball Of Foot Pain

An effective remedy to relieving ball of foot pain and poor arch support is through the use of foot orthotics. These are not regular shoe inserts found at the local drug store. They can fit into any type of shoe, including high heels. They provide crucial cushion and support to feet so they can perform optimally and stay free of pain.