The importance of proper footwear is often overlooked. Whether you’re spending your day in a busy office or braving the elements on a construction site, the shoes that you wear play a pivotal role in your overall health. The right pair of shoes can provide crucial support, enhance comfort and prevent injuries. Ill-fitting or impractical footwear can lead to a host of problems. From chronic pain, poor posture and even long-term musculoskeletal issues.
In this article, we’ll look at 15 of the most common foot conditions and how to resolve them. It’s important to know how the right footwear can help to prevent numerous conditions and what footwear considerations you need to take to keep your workers’ feet healthy.
If you believe you have any problems with your feet, it is important that you consult your doctor.
1. Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection of the skin most commonly found between the toes. It’s highly contagious and in some cases, the infection may spread to other parts of the body.
The infection is usually caused by walking in damp areas with insufficient protection. It can be picked up in common areas such as at a pool or in the gym. This is a warm and damp environment where people walk around barefoot, potentially spreading the infection. It can cause itching, cracking, blistering or peeling of the skin. It may also happen when working outside in damp areas (such as wet grass, bogs etc.) where the skin doesn’t have the time or capability to dry out fully.
To counter athlete’s foot, it is important to wear water-resistant shoes when possible. You should keep the feet clean and dry. Shoes to provide adequate space for the toes can help to prevent athlete’s foot.
Antifungal creams are usually available in pharmacies, but you should consult a doctor if you believe you have athlete’s foot.
2. Bunions
Bunions are abnormalities of the feet in the form of a bump on the toe joint. They are most commonly caused by wearing tight or narrow footwear which compresses the foot and puts pressure on the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP).
You may have a visible bump on the side of the foot, tenderness on or around the big toe, difficultly moving the big toe etc.
To reduce the risk of bunions or treat existing conditions, you should wear properly fitting shoes without high heels. Applying ice for ten minutes can help to reduce inflammation. Women are more at risk of bunions as they are more likely to wear footwear that compresses the foot, such as closed toe heels. Family history can also contribute to risk of bunions.
3. Diabetic Neuropathy
Those with diabetes are more prone to fluctuations in blood sugar. Over time, high blood sugar levels can lead to damage in the nerves. Diabetic neuropathy is not a singular condition, but a group of conditions. Unfortunately, it can lead to health complexities including damage to the feet. Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy may include numbness, tingling or pain in the feet. You may be less likely to notice other injuries due to pre-existing pain. Maintaining a good blood sugar level and health can help to treat diabetic neuropathy. While any nerve damage cannot be reversed, treatment exists to prevent further damage.
Correct fitting shoes can help to reduce the pain associated with neuropathy. The skin has superficial nerves that ill-fitting shoes can easily aggravate. To combat this, ensure that shoes have wide toe boxes, with cushioning and arch support. This helps to reduce the risk of wounds, pressure points, blisters and other potential problems.
4. Onychocryptosis (Ingrown Toenails)
Ingrown toenails occur when the nail begins to grow into the nail groove. It can cause pain, discomfort and even infection if left untreated. As with other conditions, wearing ill-fitting shoes can cause ingrown toenails. The pressure from shoes that are too narrow or too tight can put unnecessary pressure on the growing toenails. Trauma to the feet from activities such as running can also cause ingrown toenails.
To help prevent this through your footwear, avoid ill-fitting shoes or shoes with a pointed tip to reduce the risk. Ensuring that shoes do not have too much height in the heel (even in men’s shoes) will prevent increased pressure and weight on your toes in the shoe. The height of the heel compared to the toe box is known as the ‘rise’, so looking for shoes with little to zero rise may help those that are prone to ingrown toenails.
5. Plantar Fasciitis
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, plantar fasciitis is the most common form of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue on the underside of the foot that connects the heel to the toes. It supports the foot arch and absorbs shock from walking. The condition occurs when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed.
It usually doesn’t have a clear cause. Risk factors include obesity, having a high arch, tight calf muscles or taking part in activities that repetitively stress the heel. Pain may worsen in the morning or whilst doing activity.
Other than medical treatment, supportive shoes may also help to combat the pain. For those with, or at risk of, plantar fasciitis shoes with shock absorption are the way to go. Specialist insoles and shoes with arch support can also provide relief from plantar fasciitis.
6. Achilles Tendinitis / Achilles Tendinopathy
The Achilles Tendon is located at the back of the ankle. Overuse of the tendon from activities such as running, or foot trauma can cause Achilles tendinitis. Other risk factors include little exercise, wearing high-heeled shoes, rheumatoid arthritis or more. Achilles tendinopathy is accompanied by alterations in the tendon’s structure and mechanical properties. It may swell, become stiff or even tear.
To prevent, make sure to not overuse the tendon and wear supportive shoes. Shoes should provide adequate support to your arch and aim to keep the foot in a neutral position as much as possible. Those with Achilles tendonitis may benefit from a more rigid shoe which provides support across the heel and mid-section of the shoe. There is some evidence to suggest that a high-top shoe may reduce peak Achilles tendon tension. Strengthening calf muscles may help to reduce the risk too.
7. Gout
Gout is an inflammatory arthritis that is categorised by recurrent attacks of pain. The joint will most likely be tender, hot and swollen. This is caused from the deposition of needle-like crystals or uric acid, known as monosodium urate crystals,
Gout is due to persistently elevated levels of uric acid in the blood. This may occur from a combination of diet or other health or genetic factors.
It is usually treated with anti-inflammatory medicines. It is recommended that those suffering with gout should spend time barefoot as much as possible, though supportive, well-fitting shoes will help those who suffer. Looking for shoes that are extra wide or feature a wide toe-box may also help gout sufferers.
8. Hammertoe
A hammertoe or contracted toe is a deformity of muscles and ligaments of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the toe. The toe is bent into a shape that resembles a hammer.
It most frequently arises from wearing poorly fitting shoes. This may be shoes that are too short or narrow for the foot. When the toes are bent back for long periods of time, the muscles may shorten which leads to the deformity.
At its worst, the joint cannot be moved and usually requires surgery. Physical therapy or wearing comfortable and spacious shoes may resolve milder conditions. Once again, hammertoe is easily avoided by wearing well-fitting shoes with ample room in the toe box.
9. Callus
A callus in an area of thickened skin that forms due to repetitive friction. They may arise from tight fitting shoes or ill-fitting shoes. They may heal by themselves if the irritation is removed. If a callus opens it may cause infection.
10. Stress Fracture
A stress fracture is bone fracture that is caused by repeated stress. Instead of a singular instance that causes a break, stress fractures occur over time. The amount of recovery time for a stress fracture is dependent on the location and severity of the injury. Comfortable and supportive shoes may reduce the likelihood of getting a stress fracture. For those that are suffering from a stress fracture, wear shoes which have a stiff structured sole during recovery to provide adequate support whilst healing.
11. Blisters
The majority of people will experience blisters in their lives. They occur from excessive friction or sweat on the foot. Blisters can be caused by ill-fitting shoes. Blisters around the toes can be caused by shoes with a higher heel (high-rise shoes) which place more weight and pressure on the toes. Whilst heel blisters can occur from poorly lacing your shoe (ensure the laces are tighter around the ankle).
Wearing clean socks and properly fitting shoes will reduce the likelihood of blisters. They are usually harmless if not irritating and will usually heal on their own.
12. Corns
Corns are patches of thickened skin. They may be caused by bunions, hammer toe or ill-fitting shoes. Over time they may become painful and require treatment.
Avoid shoes with pointed toes as this can cramp the toes and increase the risk of corns. A firm sole can reduce strain on the foot. This can especially help if corns are triggered by other conditions.
13. Heel Spur
A heel spur is an outgrowth of calcium that develops between the heel bone and arch of the foot. They are commonly caused by long-term strain on the muscles and ligaments of the foot.
Other causes include arthritis, obesity or by wearing badly fitted or worn-out shoes.
They can be managed through cold compress, anti-inflammatory medicines or orthotic shoe inserts. Shoes with a higher heel and thick soles can help. Cushioning and supporting the heel and arch can reduce the risk of developing heel spurs and help with the existing condition.
14. Claw Toe
Claw toe, or claw foot, is when the first toe joint points upwards and the second toe joint points down. Some people are born with this condition and for some it comes on suddenly.
It may be painful and can sometimes be a sign of other conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and cerebral palsy. Treatment may include splints, adequately fitting shoes, exercise etc.
For shoes that help with claw toe, opt for ones with spacious toe boxes, low heels and quality arch support.
15. Stone Bruise
Stone bruises or metatarsalgia, may appear after high-impact exercises or frequent use in ill-fitting shoes. In some cases, they may signify an underlying condition.
The area between the toes and the arch of the foot may feel numb with occasional sharp pains that feel similar to a stone in the shoe. Treatments generally include rest, icing the area and getting shoes that fit properly.
Protect Your Health from the Ground Up with the Right Footwear
As can be seen, there are a range of foot related issues that can easily develop from ill-fitting and inadequate footwear. The feet have a direct impact on your overall health and it’s important not to neglect them. Save yourself and your employees the pain from improper footwear. Wear well-fitting and comfortable shoes whenever you are on your feet.
To discuss any points made in this article please get in touch on 01235 814 112 or email [email protected].
