Summer is on the way out and autumn is almost here. When the seasons change, so to do the fashion styles. Our footwear changes too, and new research suggests the changing styles can make autumn the most painful season for a woman’s feet.
During the summer, most women opt for flip-flops, sandals and other open-toed shoes when they’re not at work. When the temperatures begin to drop, most women make the switch back to closed-in style shoes, and heels are still in the picture because snow isn’t yet on the ground. Wearing closed-toe shoes and high heels for extended periods can leave women susceptible to numerous foot condition, like bunions, hammertoe, metatarsalgia and Achilles injuries.
Karl Collins, a foot and ankle surgeon in St. Louis, said foot problems tend to develop in the summer and fall, and many women opt to have surgery in the winter.
“People are very active in the summer,” Collins says. “They’re always outdoors, they’re always at the pool or whatever, so they will decide to get their bunion fixed in the winter, because in their mind, they’re not missing anything fun.”
Collins recommends that women should find fashionable footwear that fits them in all the right spots. If you’re feeling pressure on the side of your feet or in your toes, take them to a shoe repair shop to have them modified, and always wear high heels in moderation.
Dr. Silverman comments
Dr. Collins’ message is similar to what we preach on the blog on a regular basis. When picking out shoes, opt for a comfortable pair, and don’t wear high heels for hours on end.
If you notice that your feet are beginning to hurt, take them off and switch to a more comfortable shoe. Also, do your feet a favor and plan ahead. If you’re going out to dinner and won’t be doing much walking, heels can be a nice touch, but if you’re going to be doing a lot of walking over the course of a few hours, leave the heels in the closet and opt for a pair of flats.
Lastly, if a pair of shoes no longer fits because you have a bony prominence on your shoe, don’t just throw the pair out. The bunion won’t heal on it’s own, but we can take care of the bunion with ease and have you back in your favorite pair of shoes in no time!