Fall is officially here, and although the change of season usually brings some picturesque scenes with the changing leaves, it can also be a rough time on our feet.
That’s because as the temperatures dip, we often swap out our open-toed shoes for more protective and fashionable closed-toe options. This is especially true for women who ditch their sandals for a trendy pair of heels or shoes with a pointy toe. High heels and pointed, closed-toe shoes can leave our feet and legs susceptible to numerous painful conditions, including:
- Bunions and bunionettes
- Sprained ankles
- Muscle pain and weakness from overwearing high heels
- Blisters
- Hammertoes
- Hip problems from gait changes
- Calf pain
- Corns and calluses
- Achilles tendon injuries
Preventing Fall Foot Pain
As you can see, the list of foot maladies is pretty extensive. So how can we go about preventing these injuries from setting in during the fall? Here are a few tips to keep in mind.
1. Opt for wider closed-toe shoes – As the temperatures drop you’re going to want a closed-toe shoe that offers your foot a little more protection, but if the front of the shoe is narrow or pointed, you actually may be causing a good deal of harm every time you wear them. When searching for a new pair of fall shoes, try them on to ensure there is plenty of room in the toe for all your toes.
2. Moderation – We’re not saying you can’t wear those little red heels with the pointy toe, but you should certainly wear them in moderation.
3. Pick the appropriate shoe for the activity – This point goes hand-in-hand with the above point. If you have a desk job, you can probably get away with wearing those cute heels into the office once in a while, but if you are on your feet all day, opt for a pair of shoes that pamper and support your feet. Plan for the day ahead. If you know you are going to be walking or standing a lot, make sure you pack a supportive shoe.
4. Stop if pain sets in – If you notice that your feet are beginning to feel uncomfortable in your shoes, or you notice that you’re in pain, take off the footwear as soon as possible. Hobbling through the rest of the day is only going to make matters worse. Consider keeping a comfortable pair of shoes in your car or at work in case you need to make a mid-day switch.
5. Grab some padding – If you are set on wearing a pair of heels for the night, consider investing in some custom or padded orthotics. Heels shift the pressure points on your feet, and if the base of the shoe isn’t all that supportive, your joints can become overstressed. A padded insert can help take pressure off your feet when wearing heels.