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How Can Your Shoes Affect Your Health?

How Can Your Shoes Affect Your Health

When you’re shopping for shoes at your favorite store that reflects the hottest trends this summer, it’s likely that the last thing you’re thinking about is your health. While shoes are viewed by many as little more than a fashion choice, the truth is, that they are responsible for a major aspect of your health. Caring for your feet is extremely important since they are what allow us to get around each day and perform whatever tasks lie ahead of us. Cheap, low-quality shoes, or shoes that just don’t fit properly, can cause a number of short and long-term health conditions.

Short term conditions can include:

1.   Bunions

Bunion

One of the most common conditions that occur as a result of wearing shoes that don’t fit properly is bunions, or painful swelling that occurs on the joint of your big toe. This can be quite painful and can lead to further health complications if left untreated. Bunions require treatment from a clinic like Northwest Surgery Center in order to truly go away.

2.   Ingrown Nails

Wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes can also result in ingrown nails or other nail conditions, which greatly increase your risk of fungal infections, which cause discoloration and frequent breakage of the nails.

3.   Athletes’ Foot

Athlete’s foot

Athletes’ foot is caused by walking barefoot in a damp or unclean environment or wearing low-quality shoes that get wet and cannot properly absorb moisture. Symptoms include intense itching and flaking as well as inflammation of the skin. This condition is highly contagious.

Prolonged wearing of improper footwear can also lead to more serious, long-term health conditions including back pain and joint pain.

If you experience any of the above conditions or worry that you are at risk due to prolonged wear of incorrect footwear, don’t panic – there are things you can do to care for your feet and prevent these health risks, which begin with your search for your next pair of shoes.

Be sure to buy shoes that fit you correctly, but always make sure they have a bit of “wiggle room” for your toes. Look for shoes that are cushioned or invest in a good pair of gel inserts for the soles, to keep you comfortable during a long day of wear and to avoid health complications like back pain or collapsed arches. Only buy shoes that are made from durable materials that can withstand moisture and last over time.

Article Submitted By Community Writer

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