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Mayo Clinic Housecall
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Prevention
By Mayo Clinic staffYou can avoid many foot, heel and ankle problems with shoes that fit properly. Here's what to look for when buying shoes:
- Adequate toe room. Avoid shoes with pointed toes.
- Low heels. Avoiding high heels will help you avoid back problems.
- Adjustability. Laced shoes are roomier and adjustable.
- Comfort. Select comfortable athletic shoes, strapped sandals or soft, roomy pumps with cushioned insoles.
- Breathability. Avoid vinyl and plastic shoes. They don't breathe when your feet perspire.
These additional tips may help you buy the right shoes:
- Buy shoes at midday. Your feet are smaller in the morning and swell throughout the day.
- Measure both feet. Your feet may not be the same size.
- Don't assume your shoe size hasn't changed. As you age, your shoe size may change — especially the width.
- Ask for just the right fit. Have your shoe store stretch shoes in tight spots.
References
- Hammertoe. American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. http://www.footphysicians.com/footankleinfo/hammertoes.htm. Accessed June 24, 2010.
- Hammer toe deformity. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec04/ch043/ch043m.html. Accessed June 24, 2010.
- Klein SE. Conditions of the forefoot. In: DeLee JC, et al. DeLee and Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/book/player/book.do?method=display&type=bookPage&decorator=header&eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3143-7..00025-7--s2255&displayedEid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3143-7..00025-7--boxsec40&uniq=206941847&isbn=978-1-4160-3143-7&sid=1016949770. Accessed June 24, 2010.
- Laskowski ER (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 8, 2010.
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