Choosing shoes with an orthopaedic eye

What shoes should you wear in spring?

As spring arrives, more and more people are replacing their closed, winter footwear with lighter shoes or even slippers. However, the foot health it's key to choose new shoes wisely - not all fashion footwear is right for you orthopaedic aspects is.

Why is it particularly important to change your shoes?

In spring, we tend to switch to lighter, more open shoes. However, these shoes often do not provide proper support for the heel, ankle area or the arches of the sole. This can result in overloading, subsidence of the arches and the appearance of various painful lesions.

What are the common problems?

• Heel pain, spur formation
• Sinking of the longitudinal and transverse vaults
• Calluses, corns, sore pressure points
• Increase in bunion or hammer toe complaints

What is a bunion?

The bunion is the outward rotation of the metatarsal phalanx of the big toe, during which the big toe bends to the other fingers. The deformity results in a bony growth at the base of the big toe, which can push the shoe, causing pain and inflammation.

What is a hammer finger?

Hammertoe is an abnormal curvature of one or more toes when the knuckles are bent, so that the finger takes the shape of a „hammer”. This deformity is often associated with with the sinking of the ridge vault, and can also occur with the cams.

What is a spur?

The spur is a bone cancer, which develops in the lower part of the heel bone, typically due to overuse of the plantar ligament. A common symptom is strong, stinging heel pain , especially when getting up in the morning or standing up after a long session.

Why is it important to wear orthopaedic shoes?

From orthopaedic shoes not only helps to treat problems that have already developed. Its main advantage is that can prevent static imbalances of the foot, correct loading errors and protect joints, muscles and tendons in the long term - not only in the foot, but in the whole musculoskeletal system. The right choice of footwear is not a luxury, it is an investment in health.

Why is it particularly important to choose the right shoes for children?

The development of the foot is decided in childhood. Toddlers are born with flat feet, and as they learn to walk, they develop arches through movement and the right stimuli. This process continues until around 6-7 years of age and stabilises by the age of 10-12.

Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that during this period your child wears shoes that do not hinder, but helps natural development. If you notice that your child's ankle is leaning inwards or the footprint is too full (for example, on a wet footprint test), you may want to consult an orthopaedic specialist.

How can you tell if you are wearing the wrong shoes?

• Shoes that pinch, press or crack your feet
• The toes are tangled in it
• The sole is too soft or, on the contrary, too stiff
• Feels unstable when walking in it
• Calluses or pain at the toe, heel or centre of the foot

Wearing the wrong shoes can also lead to a shift in the static axis in the long term. This means that the knees, hips or even the spine can be affected by incorrect loading of the foot. This can lead to further complaints - pain, inflammation, wear and tear.

Summer footwear - comfort or risk?

In the warmer months, many people prefer slippers, sandals or other open-toe footwear. However, these are not always the ideal choice from an orthopaedic point of view.

What to look out for in summer shoes?

• Supporting the corner: Many summer shoes - especially traditional slippers - don't keep heels on. This can be particularly dangerous in case of flat feet or ankle drop.
• The stiffness and curve of the sole: A completely flat sole does not provide adequate support. Too thin, flexible soles do not absorb shocks from the ground.
• Fixing the foot: The use of so-called „flip-flops” is not recommended for longer distances, as the foot has to grip constantly to prevent the footwear from slipping out, which can cause muscle tension and pain.

What to look for when choosing sports shoes?

• Hold the heel and ankle: The back of the shoe should be stiff, not allowing the ankle to lean inwards.
• Adequate cushioning: The sole should be flexible, but not too soft. Excessively soft soles do not cushion shocks properly, which can cause knee and waist pain.
• Durable and well-ventilated material: Breathable materials reduce perspiration and thus the risk of fungal infections and skin irritations.

When should you see an orthopaedic specialist?

Don't wait until you feel pain! Prevention is much more effective, and a well-chosen shoe or insole can delay the worsening of problems for years - and often prevent them altogether.

You should seek professional advice if:

• have regular pain in your legs, knees, hips or waist;
• you notice deformities - for example, bunions, hammer toes, ankle drop;
• have flat feet or frequent heel pain;
• your child has a gait or walking problem.

An orthopaedic specialist can help not only to relieve symptoms but also to maintain correct foot posture and posture - by choosing the right footwear and providing personalised solutions.