How Long Does it Take for a Skin Graft to Heal on Your Foot?
A skin graft can prevent a diabetic foot ulcer from becoming a limb-threatening situation, but it does require a recovery period. Here’s what to expect.
Problems You Get When You Wear the Wrong Shoes
You rely on your feet to get you from A to B while keeping you stabilized. They put up with a lot of pressure, so they count on your shoes to provide the necessary support.
The problem, though, is that shoes might be the last thing on your mind. When you’re running out the door, it’s easy to grab the nearest pair. And when you’re shoe shopping, things like price and style may feel more important than a comfortable fit.
Unfortunately, that leads to a lot of people visiting Samantha Childers, DPM, Ricky Childers, DPM, and our team at North Central Texas Foot & Ankle for foot problems caused by their shoes. To give you an idea of the importance of good-fitting footwear, let’s look at some of the issues that arise from bad shoes.
Why properly fitting shoes matter
When your shoes don’t fit right, they pinch and squeeze where they shouldn’t. Not only can that lead to blisters, but it can also result in a number of diagnosable podiatric conditions. Those include:
Neuropathy
When you continually squeeze your feet into badly fitting shoes, it puts unnecessary pressure on the nerves in your feet. Over time, that can develop into a nerve problem called neuropathy. While treatable, neuropathy can lead to stabbing pain, numbness, pins-and-needles sensations, heightened sensitivity, and more.
Skin conditions
Too-tight shoes can cause a variety of serious skin conditions, from corns and calluses to diabetic ulcers.
Toenail problems
If your shoes are too small, they can bruise your toenails or cause ingrown nails.
Toe problems
Bunions can develop from shoes with a too-small toe box, causing an enlargement at the base of your big toe, which can make finding properly fitting shoes even more challenging. Similarly, overly small toe boxes can cause hammertoes.
This is just a sampling of the issues badly fitting shoes can cause.
Your foot changes sizes
Many people wear the wrong shoes because they continue buying the same size throughout their lifetime. Actually, though, your feet change over the years. As you age, your tendons lengthen and your body might retain more water. Ultimately, you may need to increase your shoe size.
Watch your feet for signs that your current shoes are too small. If you notice blisters, changes in your toenails, or unexplained foot discomfort, your shoes could be to blame.
Whether you need advice on properly fitting shoes or care for a podiatric problem that you’ve developed because of wearing the wrong shoes, we’re here to help. Call or message one of our offices, located in Roanoke and Decatur, Texas, to schedule an appointment.
You Might Also Enjoy...
When to Seek Professional Care for Foot and Toe Wounds
Sometimes, a wound on your foot or toe heals on its own. But with friction from your shoes and socks and dampness from any foot sweat, some injuries can escalate. Learn when you should see a doctor here.
How Long Does it Take to Recover From a High Ankle Sprain?
If you feel pain or have bruising or swelling in the upper part of your ankle, you likely have a high ankle sprain. Healing this ligament injury usually takes a fair amount of time.
How PRP Can Alleviate Your Heel Pain
If you’re dealing with persistent heel pain, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gives you a way to leverage your body’s natural healing ability to resolve it. Learn all about this treatment here.
Will Neuropathy Resolve on Its Own?
While your nerves technically can regenerate, neuropathy often won’t heal on its own. Learn why here.
Do I Need Surgery to Correct My Bunions?
Bunion surgery corrects the issue in the toe joint, but it’s not always necessary. Some people find relief with more conservative treatment options. Let’s look at your choices here.