Fall Foot Tips You Need to Know

Fall temperatures are around the corner, and that means a change in footwear.  If you are used to wearing sandals and flip flops during the summer months, the thought of squeezing your feet into poor-fitting close-toed shoes may have you groaning.  However, here are a few tips on getting prepared for fall and winter so you and your family can seamlessly and painlessly transition from strappy sandals to warm boots.

First, have your and your children’s feet measured.  Many people wear shoes that are too small, too wide, etc.  When your feet have been correctly measured, you will be able to select shoes with proper arch support, no slipping, and less pain in the ball of your foot.  Also, be sure to measure your feet and try on shoes in the afternoons, when your feet are most likely to slightly swell and be at their largest.

When buying shoes, make sure they are comfortable by trying them on and walking in them while in the shoe store.  Avoid bringing home uncomfortable or painful shoes with the expectation that you’ll “break them in.”  Choose boots with lots of toe room and a firm heel counter, which is the back of the shoe that provides support. A  heel two inches or lower is best; high heels transfer body weight onto the ball of the foot, which can lead to pain and numbness.

Lastly, make sure that any toenail conditions have been properly taken care of prior to wearing close-toed shoes again.  Conditions like ingrown toenails and nail or foot fungus can be aggravated in the warm, moist confines of a boot or cold weather shoe.  In addition, bunions, hammertoes, and neuromas can become more symptomatic in the fall and winter months.

With any change of season, good foot health is important for your overall well-being.  If you have questions about footwear or foot conditions, please contact us at 336-375-6990 or click here to request an appointment.

 

 

Disclaimer: The information and other content provided in our blogs, videos, or in any other content or linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. For a full disclaimer, please click here.