Finding the Right Shoe. You’ve most likely heard the expression about stepping out on the right foot. But it’s pretty hard to do if your shoes are unsupportive, uncomfortable, and ill-fitting. And while you may be trying to address your chronic back pain issues in other ways, you may be overlooking one crucial element. Your shoes!
Why You Should Avoid the Wrong Shoes
First things first. Let’s get one thing straight. It’s 2020. Supportive shoes aren’t just made for your grandma anymore. Supportive shoes are stylish and accessible to everyone. The shoes you choose to wear have a huge impact on your body. The way your foot moves in your shoe as you walk, run, stand, skip impacts how the rest of your body. Many people often forget their feet are a part of their back pain equation. But those feet (especially in ill-fitting shoes) can lead to a lot of discomfort.
Determining Your Stance
Understanding your foot type is important in the process of buying new shoes. If you choose the wrong pair, your pain could worsen. Not to mention wasted your effort and money to get them.
There are three different foot types. Neutral, over-pronator, and supinator. Neutral is the ideal type. And as you may guess, occurs in those who sit neutrally in their weight. Over-pronators often refer to themselves as being flat-footed. This stance is characterized by the foot rolling inward toward your other foot when standing or walking. Supinators are the opposite. They walk and stand on the outside edges of their feet. This stance also is more prone to fractures, sprained ankles, acute low back pain, knee, and hip problems.
How to Find the Right Shoe
Here are a few tips when looking for your next pair of shoes:
- Finding the right cushion: A good shoe will cushion the foot. And it will reduce the force exerted on your joints when you walk.
- Finding the right support: Your shoes do more than look good, they make you look good too – by your spinal column and body being in alignment! That means you need to find a shoe that helps your foot stay in alignment when it’s on the ground.
- Finding comfort: Some shoes are too stiff, some are too soft, so take a page out of Goldilocks’ playbook and find the shoes that are just right. The shoes you choose should be comfortable from the moment you put them on.
- Finding the right fit: To find a shoe that fits you right, shop for your shoes at the end of the day. Also, make sure you have at least a centimeter or two of room between your toes and the end of the shoe. For ultimate pain relief, the shoe should fit your foot snugly, but never tightly.
Zock Chiropractic Would Love to Help!
If you need help finding the right kind of shoe for you, then discuss your concerns with Dr. Zock. She can evaluate your body mechanics and help you decide what kind of shoe can help you keep your body (and back) healthy and pain-free! So, start 2020 off on the right foot. Contact our office in Cranberry to schedule an introductory session and provide you with a happy and healthy 2020!
* This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please contact a medical professional for advice.