January 23 is National Measure Your Feet Day! So in today’s post, Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich, Dr. Aliza V. Eisen, and Dr. Cassandra Stache of greater Philadelphia’s Your Next Step Foot and Ankle Care Center share information regarding the importance of having your feet measured each year.

The right size of shoes can be chosen when the feet are properly measured. Studies have shown that it is better to measure a proper shoe size if the person stands during the measuring process. This will help determine an accurate evaluation because the feet are at their biggest when standing. And because one foot is usually larger than the other, it’s important to try both shoes on when shopping.

Also, when choosing shoes, your toes should have adequate room to move around and wiggle. It’s helpful to know the kind of arches you have because choosing shoes with proper arch support can aid in the overall health of the foot.

A shoe that has a straight instep may be beneficial for people who have flat feet. This can help in sustaining stability while running or walking. Shoes with a moderately curved instep may help to provide more flexibility in people who have normal foot arches.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Wearing properly fitted shoes can help avoid injuries to the foot. Our feet affect our gait and posture, which in turn affects the overall structure of the body. With 26 bones, over 100 ligaments, and 33 joints, the possibility for serious injury is much higher than one might realize. Although the feet stop growing in adulthood, they can still change shape as they age.

Here are some things to take into consideration when it comes to purchasing properly fitted shoes.

• Ensure the shoes fit correctly immediately.
• Make sure the ball of your foot is comfortable in the widest part of the shoes.
• Even though you may like the way they look, wearing improperly fitting shoes can either create harmful conditions or worsen existing ones you may already be experiencing.
• When shoe shopping, walk on a carpeted surface to make sure the shoes fit comfortably fit during normal activity.

Luckily, it’s not difficult to find footwear that fits properly; just be sure to choose shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Show your feet some TLC by investing in several pairs of comfortable, well-fitted shoes.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Greater Philadelphia’s Your Next Step Foot and Ankle Care Center to schedule your next checkup. You can click here to locate contact information for the office nearest you to book your appointment.