My Shoes vs. My Foot

I'm so into shoes ... but mind you I'm not a spend-it-all type of person for shoes ... I just love them. Can't buy everything and any shoe that I want (though I wanted to) ... I have to save for the my kids' education and needs (siyempre ... family first). But anyways, I've encountered buying different types of shoes ... cheap (as in good for 1 use only ... hehehe) to mid-expensive ones (rockport, aerosole, geox, etc.). But mind you, we still have to be careful in choosing the right shoe that really fits ... take note ... FITS PROPERLY ... and not just for fashion chic. According to the American Orthopaedic Surgeons there are common foot problems which are caused by poorly fit shoes. Here are some of what I read:

1. Bunions: If you have a bunion, you know it can be a painful enlargement at the joint of the big toe. The skin over the joint becomes swollen and is often quite tender. Bunions can be inherited as a family trait, can develop with no recognizable cause or can be caused by shoes that fit poorly.

An important part of treatment is wearing shoes that conform to the shape of the foot and do not cause pressure areas. This often alleviates the pain. In severe cases, bunions can be disabling. Several types of surgery are available that may relieve pain and improve the appearance of the foot. Surgery is usually done to relieve pain and is not meant for cosmetic purposes.

2. Morton's Neuroma: This is caused by a nerve being pinched. This pinching usually results in pain between the third and fourth toes. Tight shoes can squeeze foot bones together. The nerve responds by forming a neuroma, a build up of extra tissue in the nerve. The neuroma results in pain, that may radiate into the toes.
Treatment usually involves wearing wider shoes and taking oral medications to decrease the swelling around the nerve. A pad on the sole of the foot to spread the bones is often helpful. Your doctor may also inject cortisone around the nerve. If your difficulty continues, surgery to remove the neuroma may be suggested.

3. Corns and Calluses: Usually results from repeated wearing of tight, ill-fitting shoes (high heels, etc.). Most common on big toe and fifth toe. Calluses also are found underneath ends of foot bones. Soft corns may also develop between the toes.

Treatment involves relieving the pressure on the skin, usually by modifying the shoe. Pads to relieve the bony pressure are helpful, but they must be positioned carefully. On occasion, surgery is necessary to remove a bony prominence that causes the corn or callus. But resist the temptation to remove corns and calluses with razors/knives this might alleviate the problem more.

4. Hammertoes: A condition, usually stemming from muscle imbalance, where the toe is bent in a claw-like position. Most frequently occurs with the second toe, often when a bunion slants the big toe toward and under it. Selecting shoes and socks that do not cramp the toes will help alleviate aggravation. Shoe inserts or pads may help. If no improvement, surgical treatment many be necessary.

5. Pump Bump: The bony enlargement on the back of the heel can become aggravated by the rigid backs or strats po high heels. This enlargement can result to redness, pain and swelling of the soft tissues surrounding the pump bump. The condition, which can also be acquired hereditarily, is also known as Haglund's deformity.

Hmmm ... this is really interesting. Now I understand why American or other imported brands have lots of shoe sizes to choose from - they have Slim, Narrow, Medium, Wide and Double Wide. This is to fit all types of feet - may it be small, medium or large.

Hope you got some info here!