What about my shoes?

Standing for long periods of time, constrictive shoes, shoes with high heels, and shoes with poor soles can all lead to foot, ankle, and back pain. A chiropractor may want to know what kind of shoes you wear regularly if you complain of pain in your feet and ankles. Heels that are too high stretch the tendons and muscles in the ankles and put pressure on the foot and toes. High heels can even lead to numbness and nerve damage in the toes. While chiropractic adjustments can help ease the pain caused by your shoes, it's best to wear proper footwear and avoid these problems altogether. Proper footwear will allow for movement of your toes. Heels should be moderate to flat and the soles should be rubber, which absorbs shock, reduces fatigue, and provides greater traction. You can purchase insoles to help position your feet properly and absorb shock. It's also a good idea to take your shoes off frequently during the day to reduce foot fatigue and increase circulation. If you can't remove your shoes, you can wiggle your toes and flex your ankles to promote blood flow to the area. Your chiropractor may also suggest special inserts to reduce pain and fatigue.