Make the Best Choice for Your Feet This Summer

While it may be fun to wear flip-flops in the summer, it can cause damage to your feet. A sandal like this may cause mobility issues, and, because there is no support for your arches, you may experience pain due to the overuse of vital muscles in your feet and legs. Flip-flops also force your toes to grip the shoe surface, and heels hit the ground with a more significant amount of force.

Problems That Occur from Improper Footwear:

• Postural issues-this type of shoe will not bend the way your foot is meant to, and as a result, your posture is negatively affected.

• Hammertoe-a hammertoe occurs when your toe bends at an unnatural angle. When this happens, you experience stiffening of the toe, and over time, your stride is affected.

• Repetitive injuries-with footwear that doesn't offer proper cushioning, your feet will not receive proper shock absorption. Over time, this will cause muscles to strain, and you can experience injuries like stress fractures, sprains, and even breaks.

• Bunions-bunions are classified as a large bump that will occur at your big toe’s joint. They cause discomfort, pain, and they can make wearing shoes uncomfortable.

• Metatarsalgia-this condition occurs when you have inflammation in the ball of your foot. Often the result of repetitive injury, if you leave this condition untreated, you may experience stress fractures.

• Shin splints-shin splints affect the large bone in the front of your lower leg. This condition is a common occurrence in runners and military personnel, but may also occur in people who wear improper footwear.

For help with foot and ankle issues, James C. Ricketti, DPM of Hamilton Square, NJ, is a board-certified podiatrist that can heal any diseases, issues, or deformities. Dr. Ricketti and his staff will have your feet looking great and feeling even better. Call 609-587-1674 to get help today.