Dr George Al. Tsakotos MD, MSc, PhD
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Assistant Professor of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Athens, Greece. Athens
www.tsakotos.gr
A correct shoe made with the right materials influences the proper function and health of the foot.
Our foot is subjected to many repetitive loads every day, due to long hours of standing and walking.
The stress and possible damage to the foot and the foot have an impact on other joints, such as the knees, hips and spine. Often an improper shoe is responsible for pain in the lumbar region or in the knees.
Improper footwear can cause a number of pathological conditions in the foot, such as Morton’s neuroma, metatarsalgia, calluses, nail problems, Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, arthritis of the toes and tarsal joints, hammertoe, big toe bunion and even metatarsal fatigue fracture.
These pathological conditions make everyday life difficult, limit activities and generally affect the quality of life. They require long-term conservative treatments or even surgical repair.
Appropriate footwear is particularly important in people with conditions such as diabetes mellitus, which is becoming more and more common nowadays, various skin diseases, neuropathies and autoimmune diseases, which also affect the skin, creating ulcers, which are often difficult to heal. It is of utmost importance, in these pathological conditions, to have soft and well-fitting footwear that is of appropriate length and width, with a firm sole that supports the arch of the foot properly, and thus does not cause further pressure and injury to the skin.
A good shoe is equally important for children, so that the loads on their developing skeleton are absorbed and distributed correctly. It should be a priority for parents to have good shoes for their children.
In conclusion, a shoe with good quality materials, with proper flexibility, with a shock-absorbing footbed, that supports the arch of the foot well and has a comfortable fit, is a valuable ally for the good functioning and health of our foot.
