How to tell from your shoes that you have a foot problem. The doctor told me

orthopedic traumatologist of the OPTEKA orthopedic salon chain

How do shoes help you realize that you have foot problems?

First of all, wear and tear on shoes can indicate flat feet and improper pronation. When instead of buying new shoes you should have a foot scan, explains the podiatrist.

Perhaps the most common orthopedic condition is flat feet. People live with pain and a feeling of fatigue in the legs, which are symptoms of this pathology, but do not think about what exactly caused their appearance.

To flat feet in general, unfortunately, treat quite carelessly. And this is a big mistake. In addition to foot problems, the disease can contribute to the progression of varicose veins, increase the risk of knee arthrosis, cause back pain and negatively affect posture.

Flat feet can be congenital or acquired. Most often we ourselves involuntarily contribute to the development of the disease. Regular strain on the feet, work involving constant standing, injuries, excess weight and the use of improperly fitted shoes can all be detrimental to foot health.

How to recognize flat feet in shoes

Only an orthopedic traumatologist can tell for sure if you have flat feet after a special foot scanning procedure. This examination is performed with the help of computerized equipment – plantograph. The patient stands barefoot on the plantograph, the device scans the feet and displays the image on a computer monitor. From this data, the doctor determines the condition of the foot arches and whether they can cope with the shock load.

In order to understand whether it is time for an examination, check the condition of your shoes. Wear and tear can indicate the presence of flat feet and other orthopedic conditions.

Worn heel

Usually, the heel of any shoes wears off evenly. Its worn outer part signals a heavy load on the outer edge of the foot. This foot placement increases the risk of injuries and sprains. This gait pattern can also lead to the development of plantar fasciitis.

A worn heel on the inner side warns of the presence of longitudinal flat feet.

Uneven footprint on the insole

If you take the insoles out of your shoes, you can also learn a lot about the condition of your feet. Insoles that are worn evenly indicate proper load distribution. A heavily rubbed portion on the inside of the foot is often a sign of flat feet.

There may also be pronounced rubbing in the forefoot, toes, especially the big toe, or heel area.

How to prevent flat feet

To support your feet and correct your gait, use orthopedic insoles – the products place the feet in a physiologically correct position and protect them from shock loads.

Limit the wearing of high-heeled shoes. Walking in them often leads to the development of transverse flat feet, valgus deviation of the first toe and hammer or claw deformation of the rest.

Refuse and should refuse shoes on a completely flat sole and with a narrow toe. The first does not sufficiently protect against shock loads during walking, and the second harms blood circulation.

Safe for health shoes should include a wide forefoot, form-resistant back, a small heel, comfortable buckles with the possibility of adjusting the fullness. All these parameters are characteristic of orthopedic shoes, in which the feet will be as comfortable as possible.