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Foot Problems: Finding the Right Shoes

Overview

Footwear plays a large role in the development of foot and toe problems such as bunions, calluses and corns, and hammer, claw, and mallet toes. Shoes that don't fit properly make these conditions worse and more painful. But wearing the right shoes may help keep foot problems from becoming worse.

A comfortable, well-fitted shoe offers you the best chance of:

  • Relieving pain in the foot or toe that is caused by a deformity or joint problem.
  • Preventing a foot or toe problem from getting worse.
  • Preventing a toe joint problem from returning after corrective surgery.

Before shopping for shoes for your foot problem, ask your foot doctor for recommendations.

How do you find the right shoes?

What to look for

Here are some things to look for when shopping for a shoe that won't make foot or toe problems worse:

  • A low heel. Avoid high-heeled, narrow, or pointed-toe shoes. High-heeled shoes increase pressure on the front of the foot and on the toe joints. If you cannot avoid wearing pumps or high-heeled shoes, choose shoes with heels that are no more than 2 in. (5 cm) high.
  • A wide and deep toe box (the area that surrounds the toes). There should be about 0.5 in. (1.3 cm) of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. You should be able to wiggle your toes in your shoes.
  • A shoe that has a soft but rigid back to keep your heel from slipping out.
  • A sole that doesn't hurt. For some people this means a flexible sole that allows your toes to bend as you walk. For other people, a firm sole that helps the joints stay straight is more comfortable.
  • A shoe that allows the ball of your foot to fit snugly into the widest part of the shoe.
  • A shoe with laces, Velcro, or a zipper rather than a slip-on shoe. Athletic shoes are a good choice.
  • Shoes that breathe when your feet sweat. Avoid plastic or vinyl shoes.
  • Shoes that do not have seams that may rub against or irritate the skin over your foot problem.

Tips for shopping

Most people will be able to find a shoe that causes little or no pain and allows them to function. Here are some tips for shopping for shoes when you have foot problems.

  • Try on shoes at the end of the day.

    This is when your feet are at their largest due to normal swelling.

  • Bring shoe inserts or orthotics with you, if you have them.

    Test them out in various shoes.

  • Try a sandal or athletic shoe.

    A lighter shoe that doesn't rub on an existing bunion, callus or corn, or hammer, claw, or mallet toe may be more comfortable.

  • Have both feet measured.

    This ensures a good fit and identifies if one foot is larger. Fit your shoes according to how the larger foot feels in the shoe. Shoe size, especially width, may change with age.

  • Stand and walk around during the fitting process.

    This can help you get an accurate sense of the fit.

  • Pay attention to how a shoe feels, not the shoe size.

    If a shoe feels right but isn't your normal size, you can ignore the size and go for the right fit.

  • Have shoes stretched or modified if needed.

    If a particular shoe fits snugly, the clerk may be able to stretch the shoe for a better fit. Check with a shoe repair shop to see if they can make other changes to your shoes to make them more comfortable. You should not have to "break in" shoes if they fit properly.

Ask your doctor what else to think about when you choose a shoe. This is especially important if you are at a high risk of falling.

Credits

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Dear patient

I am excited to announce that I will be relocating my practice to Houston Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates. Starting November 4, 2024, my new address will be:

Houston Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates
6550 Fannin St.
Smith Tower, Suite 1901
Houston, TX 77030

Please note that my phone number and fax number will also change to the following:
24-Hour Telephone: 713-441-1100
Fax: 713-790-2643
Clinical Support Telephone (M-F, 8-5): 713-441-3515

I am excited about caring for you in my new office and hope you will make the transition with me. I will also continue to refill your medications as I have in the past. To assist, please provide your pharmacy with my new contact information.

Please consider checking your prescription refills to verify that you have enough medication on hand to last you until your next visit. Please note that your medical records will remain at my former office until you authorize their transfer. If you choose for me to continue providing your medical care, please complete and sign the enclosed “Authorization for Release of Medical Records” form and fax it to 713-790-2643. Once we receive your authorization, we will be happy to process the request for you.

Thank you for entrusting me with your medical care. My new team and I are dedicated to making this transition as seamless as possible. For help scheduling an appointment and transitioning your care, please call my new office number above.

I look forward to continuing your care at my new location.

Sincerely,
Gopi A. Shah, MD

Dear patient

Dr. Albert Raizner, Dr. Michael Raizner, and Dr. Mohamed El-Beheary are excited to announce that our practice, Houston Cardiovascular Associates, will merge with Houston Cardiovascular Associates on November 1, 2024.

Our new offices are similarly located in Houston, near the Texas Medical Center and in Sugar Land. Our in-hospital care will continue at Houston Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medical Center and Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Importantly, our new offices expand our services with state-of-the-art equipment and amenities. Our core values will always be, as they began over 40 years ago when Dr. Albert Raizner founded HCA:

Integrity – Compassion – Accountability

Our new address and contact information are:

Your medical records are confidential and remain available at our new locations. We consider it a privilege to serve as your cardiologists and look forward to your continuing with us. However, should you desire to transfer to another physician, you may request a copy of your records by contacting us at our new addresses and phone numbers listed above.

We thank you for your trust and loyalty. As always, we will continue to be here to take care of you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Dr. Albert Raizner,
Dr. Michael Raizner,
Dr. Mohamed El-Beheary