Wearing shoes that are too tight can lead to various foot problems that affect the feet, toes, and ankles. Tight shoes create excessive pressure and friction, which may result in painful corns and calluses. These thickened areas of skin develop as a protective response to repeated irritation, often on the tops, sides, or bottoms of the feet. Ingrown toenails occur when tight footwear forces the nail into the surrounding tissue, leading to pain, swelling, and possible infection. Bunions, which are enlargements of the joint at the base of the big toe, can also develop or worsen due to wearing tight shoes. This condition often causes the big toe to press against adjacent toes, resulting in discomfort and inflammation. Additionally, tight shoes can lead to hammer toes, a deformity that causes toes to bend at the middle joint, making it challenging to wear shoes comfortably. A podiatrist can assess your foot issues and provide personalized treatment to relieve pain and prevent further complications. If you have foot pain that may be caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Riznyk Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Orchard Park, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.