Tight Shoes and Foot Problems
As online shopping becomes more and more popular, there is a greater temptation to buy and wear shoes that look stylish but may not fit correctly. Because of this, many adults wear shoes that are not right for their foot size and shape. Today Dr. William Buffone of North Fork Podiatry/Three Village Podiatry is sharing important information regarding tight shoes and the foot problems they can cause.
Bunion: This is an enlargement of bone or tissue around the joint located at the bottom of the big toe. Nonsurgical treatment involves choosing shoes that have a wider toe box, putting a spacer between your second and big toes, taping the toe, and/or applying ice.
Corn: A corn is a kind of callus that develops when tight shoes apply constant pressure on the skin. Treatment involves applying a foam pad on it to help relieve the pressure and wearing shoes that fit properly and have a roomy toe area.
Hammertoe: These come about when the toe starts to curl instead of lying flat.
Simple treatment options include strapping, wearing shoes that have a wider toe box, wearing toe splints, and applying ice.
Crossover Toe: This condition develops when the toes are scrunched in a toe box that is too small, and the constant pressure causes the second or third toe to move over the toe directly next to it. Treatment consists of wearing shoes with a wider toe box, utilizing spacers, taping to separate the toes, and applying ice.
Ingrown Toenail: This condition typically occurs in the big toe when the nail is cut too short near the end of the toe. This injury is often aggravated when wearing a shoe that is too tight in the toe box. Treatment includes wearing a shoe with a wide toe box and soaking the toe a few times per day in warm water. Also, be sure to trim your toenails straight across and don’t cut the corners too short.
Diabetic Foot: Patients with diabetes often suffer from nerve damage in the foot and are not able to feel skin irritations or punctures. If a shoe is too tight, it can cause sores or blisters that can quickly develop into serious infections. If you have diabetes, examine your feet daily for redness, blisters, sores, scratches, nail problems, and pressure areas.
If you’re noticing these or any other issues with your feet, contact the office of Dr. William Buffone of North Fork Podiatry/Three Village Podiatry today at (631) 474-3338 to schedule a consultation.
You can reach Three Village Podiatry at (631) 474-3338, North Fork Podiatry (Southold) at (631) 765-6777 or North Fork Podiatry (Riverhead) at (631) 419-7107 or schedule your appointment online.