Merced Chiropractor

How Shoes Can Cause Ball-of-foot Pain

A stylish pair of designer shoes are the most coveted and sought-after items for a woman’s closet. As a result, heels have turned into a stand-alone statement of fashion. However, when these kinds of shoes are consistently used, an array of conditions in the precious feet. Among them: ball of foot pain, hammertoes, bunions, and arch support conditions. Not surprisingly, the University of Maryland discovered that tight shoes, especially those with a lifted heel, can both irritate and be the cause of foot and toe conditions. Most men also face the perils of tight shoes. Ill-fitting boots for woking or shoes worn to the office can be of particular concern For both genders, athletic activities can be a major contributor to foot pain.

How Ball-of-foot Pain Can Come From Your Shoes

High-heeled shoes cause your body weight to be pushed forward unnaturally. This shifts too much force on the ball of the foot instead of normally distributing the weight of the body over the entire foot. A combination of bad cushioning and excessive pressure can cause major foot discomfort. Muscles and fat in the pads of the feet, including the heels and ball of the foot, also help cushion the foot. However, the foot can’t make this happen on its own. Cushioning and arch support in the shoes help to rebalance weight and absorb the energy of activities such as walking, running, jumping, and heavy lifting. Thus, it is very important to purchase shoes with excellent arch support and cushioning.

Ill-fitting shoes are another key source of foot pain in both men and women. In females, shoes that are too small or narrow, are the causes for most foot irritation experienced. High heels also cause conditions , since they do not provide the foot with the right amount of arch support which can cause the arch to fall and be a main contributor of foot pain. For guys, hard, flat work shoes can present their own set of of problems. Supportive arches are not present in these kinds of shoes, so they are poor choices for everyday footwear. According to the Mayo Clinic, poor shoe choices can actually cause fallen arches, especially during heavy lifting or repetitive motion such as jumping or running.

How Orthotics Can Treat Ball-of-foot Pain and Improve Arch Support

An effective fix to relieving ball of foot pain and poor arch support is through the use of orthotics. These inserts are specially-made for certain foot weaknesses and cannot be bought in your local store. There are even some made especially for high heels. They provide crucial cushion and support to feet so they can give you their best and stay free of pain.