How to Choose Shoes For Numb Feet

Whatever the cause of the numbness in your feet, it is crucial that you are careful when buying new shoes. If not, you may experience complications such as blisters, corns or even ulcers. These can easily become infected and a real problem. You will be unable to feel a shoe rubbing or a strap irritating your skin and so will be unaware that a shoe may not be correct for you.

Instructions

1. Take a look at the shoes that you own and pay particular attention to the ones that give you problems such as blisters. This will assist you in choosing the correct type of shoe for your foot.

2. Choose a specialist shoe store or one where it is not too busy and the staff have the time to assist you. Since you will be unable to tell if the shoe fit well, you will need the help of the trained staff to check the shoes for you.

3. Have your feet measured. Be sure to do this at the end of your day when your feet will be slightly swollen.

4. Find a shoe with a lace or a strap. This will hold the shoe in place so that the widest point of your foot corresponds to the widest part of the shoe and reduces any shoe pressure on the feet. If your foot slips forward and backward, then your skin will be irritated and prone to problems such as calluses.

5. Look for elastic uppers for the front area of the shoe. Elastic can stretch and will accommodate any toe deformities that you may have. It is also less likely to irritate your foot.

6. Avoid shoes with stitching or prominent seams. Run your fingers around in the shoe to make sure you do not feel any problem areas.

7. Wear the shoes around at home before wearing them outside so that you can return them to the store if they cause any areas of redness or irritation. Take your new shoes to your podiatrist if you are unsure about the fit.

Tips & Warnings

• Never squeeze your foot into a shoe and hope that it will stretch and eventually fit. If your foot is numb, you will be unable to tell if the shoes are irritating.

• Shop for shoes at the end of the day when your feet are at their largest, most swollen state. Always buy shoes to fit the larger foot and pad out the shoe for the smaller or narrower foot.

• Check your feet daily or have someone do this for you. You will be unaware if a shoe has irritated your feet or you may have trodden on something sharp.

• Never go bare foot apart from bathing.