Have you ever looked closely at your toes? Sometimes our toes are a little bent, like a hammer, right? Many people don't pay much attention to this, but over time, it can become painful. In medical terms, we call this condition Hammertoe . The main reason for this is the wrong type of shoes we wear. But don't worry, there are many simple things we can do to prevent this condition from occurring. So today, let's talk about how to keep your feet healthy, especially how to avoid this Hammertoe problem.
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First, let's take care of your feet.
To prevent not only hammertoe, but many other foot problems, we must first take good care of our feet.
- Check your feet daily: Make it a habit to check your feet every day. Check for any wounds , blisters , broken skin, redness, or swelling. This is especially important if you have a medical condition like diabetes . This is because when you have diabetes, the nerves in your feet can be damaged and you may not notice even a small wound. Therefore, checking your feet daily can help you identify any problems quickly.
- Maintain good blood circulation: Good blood circulation is essential for the health of our feet. If you are someone who sits for a long time, keep your legs slightly elevated, such as on a chair, when possible. Do not stay in the same position for a long time, get up and walk around, and stretch your legs a little. Give your feet a little massage yourself. Or take turns giving a foot massage with someone you love. Soaking your feet in warm water with a little salt is also very healthy for your feet.
Most importantly - choosing the right shoes!
When it comes to foot health, shoes are a very important factor. We often buy shoes based on their beauty, not their comfort. But the wrong shoes are a big injustice to your feet. So, how do you choose the right shoes? Let's look at these factors in order.
| Consider these things when choosing shoes | Why is that? / More details |
|---|---|
| Fit the shoe to the big foot. | Our feet are not 100% the same size. One is slightly larger than the other. So always choose the shoe that fits your larger foot. |
| Go buy shoes at the end of the day. | Our feet naturally swell a little as we walk throughout the day. So it's better to know your true foot size in the evening than in the morning. That way, it's easier to choose shoes that don't constrict. |
| Avoid pointy shoes. | These shoes force your toes together, changing their natural alignment. Over time, this can lead to conditions like hammertoes and bunions. |
| There should be space in the front of the shoe. | There should be at least half an inch (1/2 inch) of space between the tip of your longest toe and the front edge of the shoe. This space is needed for your toes to move freely. |
| Look at the size of your legs as you age. | As we age, our feet also get bigger. So don't assume that the same old size will always be right. It's a good idea to measure your feet every time you buy shoes. |
| Check if the shoe fits properly. | A good shoe should bend at the point where your big toe bends. If the sole of the shoe can be easily bent in any direction and twisted from side to side, that shoe is not giving your foot the strength it needs. |
| Use orthotics prescribed by your doctor. | If your doctor has prescribed a special support, or orthotics, to support the arch of your foot, be sure to use it. |
Never buy tight shoes and think that they will stretch out when you wear them. If they are tight when you buy them, they will never fit you. They will only damage your feet.
A few other important points
- Don't rely solely on shoe size: Shoe sizes can vary from company to company. So, don't buy shoes based solely on the size. Try them on and choose the one that fits your feet best.
- High heels : The higher the heel, the more unsafe it is. It also puts a lot of pressure on the front of the foot. Wearing high heels regularly can lead to conditions like Hammertoe.
- Check if the heel moves up and down when you walk: If the shoe moves up and down from the heel when you walk, it doesn't fit you properly.
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Check Availability →Be sure to take care of your children's shoes too.
These points are important for both adults and children. Young children's feet grow very quickly. So always check their shoes to see if they still fit . As children's feet grow inside tight shoes, it can cause permanent deformities in their feet. So, think carefully about these points when buying shoes for your children.
If you notice any pain, swelling, or other abnormalities in your feet, don't ignore it. See your doctor as soon as possible for advice. That way, if there is a problem, it can be identified and treated at an early stage.
💡 Take-Home Message
- Check your feet daily, especially if you have a medical condition like diabetes.
- Do things like exercise and massage your legs to maintain good blood circulation.
- When buying shoes, prioritize comfort and the right size over looks. Buy shoes late in the day.
- Avoid narrow, pointed shoes that can trap your toes as much as possible.
- Avoid buying tight shoes thinking that they will stretch later. That never happens.
- If you notice any abnormality or pain in your feet, see your doctor immediately.
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