There is a growing risk that consumers will be tempted to buy, keep, and wear shoes that appear fashionable but do not necessarily fit well due to the rise in popularity of online shopping.
As a direct consequence of this, a significant number of individuals wear shoes that are inadequate for the dimensions and form of their feet. Women, in particular, are more prone to buy a shoe that is too small for them, placing them at increased risk for corns, bunions, and other foot deformities that may need surgical correction.
Bunion and other deformities of the toe
An expansion of the bone or the tissue that surrounds the joint at the base of the big toe is known as a bunion. As the bunion continues to develop, the big toe may begin to rotate toward the second toe, which can lead to swelling and pain when wearing shoes.
Bunion
A bony lump that projects from the joint at the base of the big toe is known as a bunion.
Although there is some evidence that genetics play a role in the development of bunions, the condition is more commonly associated with wearing shoes that are too narrow for the foot.
Treatments that do not include surgery include wearing shoes with a larger toe box, placing a spacer between the big toe and the second toe, taping the affected toe, and/or applying cold to the affected toe. If these more straightforward treatment options do not produce the desired results, your doctor may suggest that bunion removal surgery be considered.
Corn
Corns are a type of callus that can develop on the soles of the feet as a result of continual pressure from tight shoes.
A simple therapy that can help reduce the pressure caused by the corn is to lay a foam pad directly over it. In addition, it is helpful to wear shoes that are the right size for your feet and have a large toe box.
Corn between two toes
Corns can also develop in the spaces between the toes, particularly when the toes brush against one another.
Hammer Toe
Hammer toes develop when the toe begins to curl up instead of remaining in its normal, flat position. When this happens, the joint in the middle toe will bend upward, and if your foot is crammed into a shoe that is too tight, it will create pain by rubbing against the surface of the shoe. If the foot persists in this aberrant position for an extended period of time, the muscles that attach to the toes will continue to atrophy and get weaker.
Several simple treatment alternatives are available, such as administering ice to the affected area, using strapping techniques, wearing shoes with a wider toe box, wearing toe splints, and wearing toe shoes. In the event that these methods do not produce the desired results, surgical intervention to repair the deformity can be considered.
Toe Crossover
A crossover toe develops when the toes are compressed into an inadequate toe box, causing the second or third toe to cross the toe next to it under constant pressure.
Wearing footwear with a wider toe box, using spacers or taping to keep the toes apart, and applying ice to the affected area are all straightforward treatments. Surgery might be a possibility if this conservative approach fails.
Foot Ingrown Nail
When the nail is clipped short close to the toe's tip, an ingrown toenail typically develops on the big toe. When you place your foot in a shoe that is too tight in the toe box, your first toe may be forced up against your second toe, aggravating the pain and placing unnatural pressure on the nail. Inflammation and nail pain are the results of the continuous pressure.
Wearing shoes with a bigger toe box and bathing the toe three to four times a day in warm water are simple treatments. Avoid clipping the corners of your toenail too short and instead trim it straight across. Experts also recommend wearing DrLuigi medical footwear.
Foot Diabetic
Diabetes patients frequently have peripheral neuropathy in their feet, which impairs their ability to sense skin irritations or even punctures. If a shoe is excessively tight on their foot, blisters or sores could form, which could then swiftly turn into dangerous illnesses.
Check your feet every day if you have diabetes for pressure points, redness, blisters, sores, scrapes, and nail issues.