This is the pain you feel when the back of your shoes rub against your heels. in that they create a frictional effect Although our skin can withstand a certain amount of friction without experiencing any pain, such as when scratching an itch, the constant friction and pressure from our shoes will eventually lead to pain and injury.
The skin may break or blister, becoming infected or even developing bony bumps known as Haglund's deformity at the back of the heel with continued exposure. Constant rubbing may also occur if your shoes are too high around the ankle. irritate your Achilles tendonbother your Achilles' tendon also aid in bursitis1bursitis amongst other things
Luckily, our podiatrists have compiled some of the best advice they've heard for avoiding painful shoe-on-heel friction.
(1) While in the midst of the process of purchasing footwear
When looking for a new pair of shoes, keep these things in mind:
- When trying on shoes, wear socks that are close in thickness and material to the ones you plan to wear regularly. There are a lot of people who wear stockings when trying on shoes, but then switch to cotton socks once they get home, which causes problems with foot circulation, rubbing in the back of the heel, and blisters on the ball of the foot. and the remainder of the shoe's environs
- Get the right fit by shopping for shoes late in the day. Shoes that fit perfectly in the morning may be too tight by midday because our feet swell by up to half a size. Tight shoes aren't the only thing that can cause chafing and discomfort, though.
- Keep track of your longer foot. Despite the fact that most people have one foot that is slightly larger than the other, when buying shoes they often only measure the larger foot, assuming that if they fit perfectly on that foot they will also fit perfectly on the other. In order to prevent painful heel rubs, you should buy shoes that are a snug fit for your longest foot.
Pick a pair of socks that fit you well.
If your socks don't provide enough padding between your feet and your shoes, you may experience blisters and rubbing. It's true that some pairs of "fashion" socks are extremely stylish, but they often put neither your feet's safety nor your comfort first. Choose socks made from breathable materials like merino wool that also provide some natural padding (so they're not super thin). On the other hand, cotton acts as a moisture barrier between the foot and the sock, making foot discomfort more likely.
Keep in mind that as we get older, our skin naturally loses elasticity and becomes thinner and more delicate. So, if you've noticed that the bones in your feet have become more "prominent" in recent years, you can alleviate some of the discomfort and promote your foot health by wearing socks with plenty of padding and support.
Wear comfortable insoles.
Rubbing on the back of the heel can also be caused by pre-made orthotics that you slip into the shoes without having them properly fitted or ensuring their suitability for your feet and shoes. If the insoles you put into your shoes aren't customized for your feet, your heel may end up sitting at the top of the back of the shoe, which can cause irritation and rubbing, especially if you have a prominent heel or Achilles tendon. Because of the extra space these orthotics require, the fit may be too snug and cause irritation.
Orthotics are not something you want to have if your job requires you to be on your feet all day. guess at and take a chance on how they'll affect the practicality and comfort of your foot. If your work boots are irritating your feet, orthotics can reduce the friction by supporting your arches and preventing your feet from rubbing against the inside of the boots.
Consider the materials of your footwear.
When compared to shoes made from natural materials, synthetic textiles like mesh and coarse fabric are more likely to cause friction and heel blisters. While breaking in new shoes is always recommended, don't count on any stretchiness. Find a pair of shoes that fits well and feels great right away by opting for high-quality materials.
- Suede Suede is a unique kind of leather that is crafted from the skin's backside. If you're going to wear suede shoes, it's important to get the right fit from the start and not let your choice of socks mess with that.
- Leather Wear them around the house first to break them in because leather is rigid and has sharp edges. Softer and more malleable leather is another benefit of cleaning and conditioning.
- Canvas Canvas is a popular shoe material because it is soft and comfortable, but it can cause rubbing if worn without socks. Walk around the house in them, twist them in both directions, and if the laces feel too tight or loose, make the necessary adjustments.
- Rubber has a higher propensity to both rub and trap moisture, which can irritate the skin and make you more prone to skin breaks. Wear well-padded socks that wick moisture away from your feet if your shoes are made primarily of rubber.
- Inspect the inside of your shoes. Some shoes have a more comfortable and seamless interior, but others have seams and connections that can rub and cause irritation.
5. Dry your feet out a little more
Rubbing and blistering are more likely to occur on wet or damp feet. Water not only causes the foot to slide around inside the shoe, but it also softens the skin, making it more vulnerable to injury. Waterproof shoes can actually increase perspiration, so it's best to wear a pair of breathable, water-resistant shoes instead. Keep in mind that you have over 250,000 sweat glands in your feet, and that in the hot and humid Australian climate, any pair of shoes can become soaked.
Try switching to socks made of a material that breathes better and wicks moisture away from the feet, or use an absorbent powder like talcum to keep the inside of your shoe dry. Feeling like your feet are constantly drenched in sweat? You might have hyperhidrosis. If you're worried about this, make an appointment with a podiatrist.
Stretching your shoes is a good idea, number 6.
Even though it's best to begin with the right size, if you're determined to prolong one's body's reach or wear in buying new footwear can help reduce the likelihood of uncomfortable chafing in a number of ways:
- At home , slip on your shoes while wearing two pairs of thick socks If you experience any discomfort or cramping in your feet, you should stop wearing these shoes. However, increasing the thickness of your socks is a tried and true method for quickly breaking in a new pair of hiking boots among many dedicated hikers. Blisters can be avoided with the aid of the socks. When applied to leather, this method is especially effective.
- If you'd rather not deal with the hassle, , visit a bootmaker or shoe repair shop where they might have the means to stretch your shoes with specialized tools. There are sprays on the market that claim to aid in the stretching of shoes; however, you should be cautious when using them and conduct a patch test to ensure that they do not alter the color of your shoes.
7. Smooth out the creases
It's not uncommon for the back of the heel to develop a rough texture due to uneven stitching, sloppy construction, or the use of materials that aren't a good fit for your feet. Avoid resorting to a permanent bandage on the back of your heel if your shoes' rough edges are causing irritation to your skin. If the soles of your shoes are becoming rough, you can either sew moleskin pads over the problem areas or have your shoes professionally repaired by a cobbler.
Keep in mind the need for long-term ease and safety.
While it's understandable to seek short-term relief from rubbing and blisters with bandages and pads, remember that the ultimate goal is to ensure that you don't have to deal with any of that discomfort or pain in the first place. The podiatry specialists at your neighborhood My FootDr clinic are available to assist you with any concerns you may have regarding the health of your feet or any other related pains or issues.
Pre-schedule a visit with us via the Visiting this link in addition to our or It's located at 1800 FOOT DR.11800 FOOT DR.
