How Shoes Can Cause Heel Spurs

Fashion dictates many of our shoe choices. Often, that means you don’t choose the best shoes to support and nurture your feet.

Good shoes cushion each step, support your arches, and make it easy for you to get around.

The wrong pair of shoes is more than just uncomfortable; it can lead to long-term gait problems and structural irregularities that hurt your heels, toes, knees, ankles, hips, and back. Most of the surfaces on which you walk are flat and hard, demanding a lot from your feet. You need great arch support and cushioning to make it through the day without suffering from aching feet and the development of issues like heel spurs.

At Go Feet in Mays Landing, and Linwood, New Jersey, the experienced podiatric team stresses the importance of choosing supportive footwear that fits properly to prevent heel spurs and other problems.

HOW THE WRONG SHOES SET YOU UP FOR PAIN

Your shoes play a big role in whether you experience heel pain. Here are some of the major shoe mistakes that we see:

YOUR SHOES DON’T FIT PROPERLY.

If your shoes are too wide, too narrow, too big, or too small, they won’t support your foot.

You get blisters from friction, your feet feel pinched, and you may change the way you walk to compensate for a poor fit. These shoes won’t support your arch in the right place – or support it at all.

This can lead to inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the connective tissue that attaches your heel to the ball of your foot. Plantar fasciitis causes stress that makes your body build extra bone tissue, or a heel spur.

YOU WEAR SHOES THAT ARE WORN DOWN.

You’ve been diligent about exercise, and you’ve taken your shoes along for the ride. Wearing the same running shoes or cross trainers for months or years of workouts isn’t a great plan. Even if they fit well and gave you notable support in the beginning, the structure and cushioning of the shoes wears down over time.

You’ll notice worn-down treads that don’t grip like they once did or flattened, less springy midsoles. We can help you determine if your shoes need replacing and will recommend the best ones to support your heel and prevent the development of spurs.

YOU’RE WEARING THE WRONG SHOES.

When you put on a pair of high-tops to run a 5K, you’re asking for heel problems. Of course the basketball shoes are great on the court, but they don’t offer your heels the cushioning and flexibility they need to endure the rigors of a run.

If you regularly participate in a sport, talk to us about our shoe recommendations. We can also help you determine if you need a supportive shoe for overpronation.

YOU HABITUALLY GO FOR CONVENIENCE OR FASHION.

Flip flops, high heels, and even flats all have a use, but if you regularly wear them to walk or stand, you may develop heel pain. These shoes don’t offer arch support, cushioning, or ergonomic support. Flat sandals may be great for a trip to the beach, or you may choose stilettos for your next formal, but daily wear is not recommended.

At Go Feet in Mays Landing, and Linwood, New Jersey, the experienced podiatric teams are ready to help you make smarter shoe choices to prevent heel spurs, subsequent plantar fasciitis pain, and other foot problems. Call one of our convenient Go Feet locations, or use this website to book an appointment.