Did you know that the average human being spends about 235 days of their lives on their feet? Research shows that one in every three people over 65 years of age experiences stiffness, foot pain, or aching feet. The type of shoe you wear has a lot to do with some of these common foot problems. Read on to learn more about common foot problems and their remedies.

Plantar Fasciitis

If you feel a stabbing pain every time you put weight on your heel, you might be suffering from plantar fasciitis. The pain is often worse in the morning or after sitting down for long.

Plantar fasciitis can be caused by several reasons such as obesity, the tendency to roll your feet when walking, and flat feet. Shoes with good shock absorption can go a long way in managing plantar fasciitis. Maintaining a healthy weight is important if you are dealing with plantar fasciitis.

If you are an athlete, ensure that you wear the right type and size of running shoes. As such, you will be sure that your feet are properly cushioned. Visit stores that sell running sneakers and buy what fits you best.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage that covers your bone ends wears down. If you are experiencing stiffness or pain in your toes when you push off while walking, you may be suffering from osteoarthritis.

The leading cause of osteoarthritis is wearing shoes that are too tight. Shoes that don’t have proper heel support could also cause osteoarthritis. Extra-wide shoes are a perfect solution to this problem.

If you are suffering from osteoarthritis, check out what options you can consider from online shoe stores that sell extra wide shoes.

Hammer Toes

High-heeled shoes are adorable, but if they are too tight, they can cause your toes to wiggle. Hammertoes can cause immense pain because of the abnormal movement in the toe joints. Additionally, they can result in painful calluses and corns. Shoes that are too short could also cause hammertoes. If you suffer from this problem, look for shoe stores that sell shoes with enough space between your longest toe and the inside of the shoe.

Bunions

Do you experience problems moving your pinky or big toe joint? Have you noticed some swelling or redness on your toe joints? If so, you could be suffering from bunions.

Bunions can occur as a result of wearing shoes that are too tight. If you are suffering from bunions, it is advisable to take a break from shoes with more than a one-inch heel. Ensure that your shoes also have a wide toe box.

Final Word

Knowing your foot size before visiting shoe stores will help you make a well-informed decision. A podiatrist, athletic trainer, or physical therapist can help identify your foot type. However, some athletic shoe stores offer computerized foot type analysis too.