Put the Spring Back in Your Step: 7 Signs You Need to Start Wearing Orthopedic Shoes

Do you get home from work every day with incredibly sore feet? Are you constantly trying new shoes, but none of them seem to work?

This is a clear sign that you may want to try orthopedic shoes. There are many benefits to doing so, but the most rewarding is being able to be on your feet as long as you want with no pain.

Doesn’t that sound nice? Read on to learn seven signs that suggest you may be a candidate for orthopedics.

1. Foot Pain or Swelling

Many people think that foot pain is just a part of life, especially a part of working life. Yet, you do not need to live with unnecessary foot pain, and this is not normal.

If you experience substantial pain in your feet after doing regular activities such as standing or walking around for any amount of time, you should see a podiatrist.

They will be able to tell you if your pain lies in the shoes you’re wearing, how you walk or stand, or if there is another underlying issue. If orthopedics can solve your problem, it’s an affordable and immediate relief to your issue.

If they can’t, your podiatrist will investigate what could be causing your pain and discomfort, which means pain relief for you either way.

2. Sharp Heel Pain

Alleviating sharp heel pain is one of the most significant benefits that orthopedic shoes can do for you, and if you experience it, it’s a clear sign that you should visit an orthopedic shoe store.

Having a sharp pain in your heel, especially when felt first thing in the morning, may indicate plantar fasciitis. This is inflammation in the thick band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toe bones, which runs across the bottom of your foot.

The plantar fascia supports your foot’s arch and is more susceptible to inflammation if you have a tight Achilles, high arches, flat feet, are overweight, or spend most of your time in high heels or standing.

Custom-made orthopedic shoes can help relieve this pain by providing additional arch support or cushioning for your heel.

3. Flat Feet or High Arches

If you have flat feet with little to no arch, you may experience significant foot pain or overpronation, which occurs when your foot rolls inwards.

Orthopedic shoes for women and orthopedic shoes for men can help alleviate this pain and reduce any inward rolling.

On the other hand, if you have high arches, you may experience toe pain, calluses, corns, foot pain, and instability in your ankles. Custom orthopedics can help fix these issues too.

4. Shoes Wearing Unevenly

When you visit your podiatrist, they may take a look at your shoes, as this can be one of the most apparent signs that you need to start wearing orthopedic shoes or inserts.

If your shoes are more worn on the inside, this is a sign of overpronation. If they are more worn on the outside, this is a sign of supination, which is outward rolling.

One shoe may be more worn than the other, which can indicate that you have more problems with one foot than the other.

Wearing orthopaedic shoes mens or for women, even if for just one of your feet, can make all the difference.

5. Balance Issues

If you have balance issues, you may not think it’s due to your footwear, but it could be. This is especially true if it is coupled with foot pain.

When you get older, it’s more common to experience collapsed arches, which can cause flat feet related problems. It's also common to have less strength in your ankles, as well as increased pressure on your feet.

All of these can cause balance issues, though it may not seem obvious at first. 

The best orthopedic shoes can help provide more stability, which can decrease the chances of discomfort or falls.

6. Lower Limb Injuries

While you may think that only foot injuries indicate a need for orthopedics, this is not true at all.

Any injury to your lower limbs, including your hips, knees, legs, and ankles, could affect the way you walk and the pressure that you put on your feet.

In the case of any injury, it’s essential to be especially careful with your recovery and how it affects the rest of your body.

This is true for lower limb injuries, and orthopedics can help keep your feet properly supported and aligned, reducing the likelihood of further pain and injuries.

7. Diabetic Foot Complications

Diabetic foot complications can be severe and painful, and orthopedics can help manage this. Orthopedic shoes help to evenly distribute pressure, which is often prescribed as pain management for diabetic foot complications.

They can also help correct your gait and posture and provide arch support, helping to reduce pain and swelling, corns and calluses, headaches, and back pain.

Time to Start Wearing Orthopedic Shoes

The benefits of wearing orthopedic shoes are undeniable. You don’t have to live with your foot pain, and if you think you align with any of the signs above, it may be time to visit your podiatrist.

Take note of all of your different symptoms, as this will help to better diagnose what will be best for you.

While you’re waiting to visit your podiatrist, you should check out the rest of our website. We have tons of lifestyle articles just like this one that you’re sure to be interested in.