We all love our shoes. Many people feel they are the icing on the cake to pull together a great outfit. However, that lingering pain that has appeared in your foot or ankle may be the result of improper footwear on your part.  

Let’s take a closer look at some of the side effects that are caused by wearing improper footwear. 

Wearing the Wrong Shoe Size 

It Increases Your Chance Of Injury 

Wearing the wrong shoe size can lead to several problems with your feet. If you happen to engage in a lot of physical activity, wearing shoes that are the wrong size can put you at risk for injury. 

More pressure is placed upon your feet, ankles, and legs. This pressure can cause injuries such as shin splints, sprains, or even pain in your tendons.

It Can Cause Deformities 

Improper footwear can cause your feet to develop unsightly deformities. Wearing shoes that are too narrow may cause your toes to rub against the shoes uncomfortably. This may result in hammertoes, bunions, calluses, or corns.  

Ingrown Toenails

When you repeatedly wear shoes that prevent your toenails from growing,  this can result in ingrown toenails. If your shoes are too short and narrow, this places extra pressure on the nail.  

The edge of your toenail will begin to grow into the skin. This is quite painful, and if left untreated, the nail will become quite red and infected. 

Improper Footwear Affects The Way You Walk 

Improper footwear will eventually affect your gait. While you may not notice it at first, your body will react to the shoes that you wear. Your body will put more pressure on the existing joints to make up for the pain felt in your feet.

 If you’re thinking about every step that you need to make, you will begin to shorten the steps you take. This could lead to pain in your hips, knees, and ankles if left alone. 

Damage Caused By High Heels

All around the world, women are often expected to wear high heels to the workplace as a sign of professionalism. So much so, that some women have even started to boycott this expectation. 

It’s no wonder, as these high heels can do significant damage to the body of the wearers. While high heels give height and a sleek look to any outfit, they can create a whole host of leg and foot problems. 

These shoes can put the wearer at risk for some of the deformities mentioned above, like bunions and hammertoes. If you must wear heels, try to opt for ones with a chunkier heel or platform shoes. 

Contact Canyon Oaks Podiatry 

If you’re still curious about what kind of shoes will provide enough support, take a look at our article that discusses wearing proper footwear. When you’re ready to come in for a visit, fill out the online form below. A member of our staff from the Visalia office will be in touch will you within one business day.