Shoes and Orthopedic Pain

The type of shoe you wear impacts how you walk and the amount of stress placed on your feet, knees, hips, back and ankles. If you routinely wear high heels, flat shoes that offer little support or shoes that are too tight, you may be setting yourself up for future orthopedic troubles.

High heels, or shoes with a heel higher than 2 inches, are a significant contributor to foot and ankle injuries and arthritis. Wearing high heels long-term can shorten the Achilles tendon, causing plantar fasciitis and tendonitis due to the unnatural position of the foot. High heels can also cause ingrown toenails, bunions, nerve damage and a permanent "pump bump" on the back of the heel.

Keep in mind that ballet flats, while often considered a fashionable and safer alternative to heels, could be just as problematic. Frequently wearing flats — or other shoes such as flip-flops and sandals with little padding or arch support — can lead to plantar fasciitis, an overuse injury characterized by heel pain. When shopping for sandals and flip-flops, the AAOS recommends ankle straps and cork choices instead of rubber soles. Flats should offer arch support or easily accommodate an orthotic insert, pass the "bend" test — which means they don't easily fold in the middle — and fit comfortably with no stretching required.

As a general rule, you should look for supportive shoes with a wide or square toe box and a heel lower than two inches. Be wary of shoes with pointed toes, as those can cause hammertoe, corns and calluses. The American Podiatric Medical Association has certified certain shoe brands with a Seal of Acceptance/Approval, making foot-friendly choices easy to spot. A little investigative work can also help.

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