Avoid These Common Fall Footwear Problems

(www.livelywomen.com) — Today is the first day of fall, and with the changing seasons come changing fashions! I don’t know about you, but autumn is my favorite for both the weather and the clothes. But did you know that fall footwear can bring with it some serious injuries and discomfort?

“One of the leading causes of foot problems, from painful conditions to visible deformities, are high heels and other uncomfortable footwear,” says board-certified New York City podiatrist Dr. Oliver Zong. “Since most women are unwilling to sacrifice their stylish footwear, I often help them figure out how to make the necessary compromises for their lifestyle to minimize the amount of pain they suffer and prevent lasting injuries.”

Here are three popular fall shoe styles — and expert advice on how to flaunt your fall fashions without, you know, getting hurt.

Sheepskin-Lined Boots

Oh, they’re adorable alright, and cozy to boot, but sheepskin-lined boots with their flat soles are notorious for causing foot problems, most notably plantar fasciitis.

• Plantar Fasciitis is caused by the inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot connecting the heel to the toes. It causes stabbing or burning pain that’s most pronounced early in the morning because the tissue tightens overnight. The thin and flimsy soles often found in winter’s sheepskin boots lack arch support and are primarily to blame for plantar fasciitis – they fail to offer adequate shock absorption to protect the tissue. The good news is that in most cases, says Dr. Zong, plantar fasciitis can be overcome without invasive surgeries.
• For those who won’t part with their boots, Dr. Zong suggests investing in an over-the-counter orthodic to give the boot some shock absorption. “These boots, while they may be incredibly warm and water proof provide just about no arch support,” says Dr. Zong. “My patients have been very successful both in treating and preventing plantar fasciitis as well as holding onto their boot.”

Oxford-Style High Heels

One of the most appreciated aspects of the Oxford is that the wearer’s foot is well-secured, limiting the risk of embarrassing tripping. Dr. Zong warns that the very same trait is also to blame for one of the most painful and noticeable foot deformities: the bunion. “A bunion results when the big toe becomes misaligned and turns toward the remaining toes,” cautions Dr. Zong. “The bump is actually additional bone formation and any shoe, but especially high heels because they add pressure to that area, with very narrow toe casings are the major culprits.”

• Dr. Zong admits that he’s never convinced a woman to banish her favorite shoe to prevent bunions, but says that limiting the amount of time feet spend in super tight and narrow shoes can make all the difference. If you heed the signs of pain, a bunion can be avoided. However, Dr. Zong warns, once the bunion appears it can only be removed through surgery.
• Another pain-inducing aspect of Oxfords, or any that feature straps or panels across and around the slope of the foot, is the intense pressure they exert. “Women are accustomed to wearing high-heels that grip the foot at the toe and at the ankle, and the newer styles that sheath the foot add pressure where they aren’t used to feeling it,” explains Dr. Zong, adding that often they are paired with sky-high heels. “It causes everything from subtle discomfort to major pain as the muscles below the arch are strained when women instinctively try to stretch the fabric by extending their foot even more.” Dr. Zong’s best advice in this case is to admit defeat and cut your losses: There are some shoes that simply aren’t made for walking and these are among them. Wear them when you know you won’t be trekking far.

Peep-Toe Boots

It may sound counterintuitive, but open-toed shoes, particularly booties, are very popular for the cold months. Most styles feature a high heel punctuated by a narrow opening – a recipe for disaster when it comes to ingrown toenails. “The pressure that the heel and the small opening put on the toes causes the nail to grow abnormally,” explains Dr. Zong, adding the problem can become much more serious. “Fungal infections thrive in the presence of ingrown toenails and the pain can become very severe.”

• Dr. Zong says that if caught in time, ingrown toenails are easily corrected but if left untreated, they can require surgery. The best way, according to Dr. Zong, to prevent an ingrown toenail is to ensure that your shoe fits properly and lay off a troublesome pair until any early signs are addressed and healed.
• Another hazard that arises when wearing open toe shoes in the cold months is the people just aren’t used to it. Fall and winter weather is a powerful force that includes frigid temperatures, ice and rain – all of which can damage a person’s feet. “The biology of the foot changes when it’s constricted by a shoe leaving it more prone to numbness,” cautions Dr. Zong. “The pressure of the shoe combines with the low temperature and feet can loose sensation pretty quick. Whenever your feet are exposed in cold temperatures, just make sure to be conscious of how vulnerable they are.”

So, are you going to give up any of your fall shoes?

Contents © Copyright 2008 Kristen King

(images: Sheepskin-Lined Boot, Oxford Heel, Peep-Toe Boot)

Tags: womens health blog, women, woman, health, lively women, kristen king, fall fashions, fall footwear, autumn, sheepskin boots, shearling boots, oxford heels, open toe boot, peep toe boot, foot pain, foot injury, prevent