What happens to your feet if you wear shoes that don't fit?

Wearing shoes that are too loose or too tight can cause foot deformities, ingrown nails, and damage to bones and joints.

Choosing the right shoes and sandals helps protect your feet. Wearing shoes that are too loose can lead to falls, while shoes that are too tight can cause blisters, restrict blood flow, and lead to foot pain. Below are some common ailments that can result from wearing shoes that do not fit properly.

Foot deformity

Researchers at La Trobe University (Australia) analyzed data from 18 studies and found that wearing ill-fitting shoes can cause painful or deformed bunions, hammertoes, and corns. Scientists also found that people with diabetes tend to wear shoes that are too tight.

Ingrown toenail

Wearing tight shoes increases pressure on the toes, causing the toenail to grow into the skin, most commonly on the big toe. The skin around the nail is susceptible to infection, causing foot pain. To prevent this, choose shoes that fit well, do not cut the nails too short or round the edges.

Wearing tight shoes makes your feet painful and uncomfortable when moving. Photo: Freepik — Wearing tight shoes makes your feet painful and uncomfortable when moving. Photo: *Freepik*

Arthritis

When wearing sandals or flip-flops, your feet take the direct impact of each step without the cushioning that other types of shoes provide. This constant impact can accelerate joint wear and tear and contribute to the development of arthritis. Flip-flops do not provide the necessary support, so your feet are more likely to roll outward or inward, increasing the risk of joint strain.

Sprain

People wearing ill-fitting shoes are more likely to slip, trip, fall, injure ligaments and sprains. These injuries can take several days to heal.

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition characterized by pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. This condition is caused by standing on hard surfaces for too long, age, or wearing unsupportive shoes such as flip-flops, flats, or slippery sneakers .

Bad posture

Shoes that are more than 7cm high cause the pelvis to tilt forward and increase the curvature of the lower spine. Meanwhile, shoes that are too flat and lack cushioning increase the risk of problems in the lower limbs. Specifically, heel pain, pain in the sole of the foot, joint pain, ankle dislocation...

Hot soles of feet

Burning feet is a burning, painful, and uncomfortable feeling in the soles of the feet. This condition is often experienced by people who wear tight shoes or high heels. This is because the toes do not have enough room to move and wiggle in the shoes.

Foot pain and foot problems related to ill-fitting shoes can lead to falls and reduced mobility in older adults.

To reduce foot pain and osteoarthritis, choose shoes or slippers that fit well and have arch support and cushioning. Avoid wearing sandals or flip-flops for long periods of time, especially when participating in physical activities that put stress on the joints. Shop for shoes in the afternoon and let them air out for at least eight hours before storing them away.

Huyen My (According to Verywell Health, Times )

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