We are constantly telling people how high heels change posture and cause knee and back pain in the long run. If they have to be worn, then keep it to once in a while. What we have been forgetting to advise people is that the exact opposite. Very flat shoes are also detrimental to your health.
Flat shoes have become fashionable in the recent years. More people are moving to affordable shoes like the doll shoes and sandals. They have no arch support, no fastening strap or laces and no shock-absorbing material.
Problems caused by flat shoes:
1. Fallen Arches
Probably the most well-known side effect of wearing flats. Fallen arches occur when a person wears shoes with little or no arch support for a long period of time. With fashionable flats becoming readily available in cheaper stores across the country, many women are stocking up. The problem with these shoes is that the majority of them will have insufficient support. And will lead to fallen arches. Fallen arches can make walking and exercising extremely painful as well as stretches.
2. Plantar Fasciitis
It is the swelling or inflammation of the plantar fascia, the ligament that connects your heels to your toes. Plantar fasciitis is a common result of fallen arches, which makes it easier for the ligament to become irritated or torn. The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is a sharp pain in the heel, especially when getting out of bed in the morning. The pain caused by plantar fasciitis will only increase as time goes on, so it is important to address it early.
3. Musculoskeletal complications
As mentioned above, the plantar fascia is connected to the heel. As a result, any damage that is done to it also affects the ankle, the calf muscle, and the effects can even extend as far as the back. Unfortunately, choosing shoes that do not give us the support we need does not only affect the feet. It leads to pain, which can lead to improper stances and walking techniques, which can in turn lead to further pain in other areas of the body.
4. Lack of protection
Another consideration about flats should be that many of them are made from very soft material that offers very little protection. These fail to protect our feet from cold or wet weather, falling objects, or uneven ground. This not only results in sore or damaged feet, but can lead to other issues such as blisters.
Solutions:
- The ideal shoes are low, broad-based heels (1-2 inches high) with support. However flats do not need to be cut out of our lives completely, but it is a good idea to rotate the shoes that you wear regularly, and to make sure that the majority of your everyday shoes offer proper protection and support.
- A good shoe should have a cushioned base and be shaped to support the arches. However most flats do not have this and orthotic devices are required as inserts into flats to maintain the arches of the foot and undo the damage flats cause to your feet.
- Stretching of the calf muscles daily is important to avoid plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.
- Buying shoes in the afternoon, when your feet are swollen, gives an optimum fit.
- In the case of plantar fasciitis, rolling a golf ball or a spiked soda bottle under your feet should relieve the irritation. If pain persists see your physical therapist.
