Dr. Kamran Hamid, an orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon from Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, stopped to give advice on how to stay stylish and also protect our feet.
Link: www.rushortho.com
Flip-flops
- No support at all
- Can worsen the pain from arthritis and flatfeet
- Slippery when wet, potentially resulting in injuries
- Try versions with more sole support, proper fit and a textured bottom
High Heels
- Toe problems like bunions and hammertoes
- Can squeeze foot together and push on nerves, known as Morton's Neuroma
- High risk for rolling ankle and causing sprain or fracture
There are ways to wear high heels:
- Wear for special occasions/moderation
- Use sneakers during your commute
- Don't wear heels on your days off
- Alternate heels with flats.
- Wear 2-inch heels or lower. Find heels with wide toe boxes. Re-sole the heels with thicker rubber to provide extra comfort and reduce slippage.
- Avoid certain styles. Very high heels (often stilettos) can cause pain in the ball of the foot. Pointy-toed heels will cramp the toes.
- Choose wedges which give height without the same arch angle.
Slides
- Trendy for men
- No forward support
- Toes gripping the edge change the way you walk
- Can cause pain on the bottom of your feet
Ballet flats
- cute and popular
- No arch support
- Can worsen plantar fasciitis and fallen arches
Running shoes
- Old shoes lose support and don't cushion/absorb the impact
- Can cause stress fractures, knee pain
- Get proper fit for wide/narrow feet, good arch support, etc.
- Get new shoes every 500 miles