Foot pain is commonly caused by shoes that do not fit properly such as pointed-toe, high-heeled shoes etc. As the weight and force during walking is transferring through feet, suitable shoes or footwear is essential for appropriate support of the feet and transmit pressure properly.
The feet are very small compared with the rest of the body, the impact of each step exerts tremendous force upon them. This force is about 50 percent greater than that of a person's body weight. During walking, this force is travelling from heel to mid lateral arch and passing through ball of the big toe. If shoes are not properly fitted with the feet, the forces are scattered in wrong directions that may exert more pressure and result pain in the toes, forefoot, hindfoot.
Some common conditions and recommended footwear:
* When there is Corns and Calluses (thick, dead, yellowish, hardened layers of skin) that develop around toes, use a wide (box-toed) shoes, soft cushions under heel is recommended.
* For toenails which curling into skin causes pain, swelling and sandals or open toed shoes should be used.
* Metatarsalgia is the acute, recurrent or chronic pain in the ball of the foot. A wide shoe, orthotic with pad, gel cushions, metatarsal bandage can reduce pressure.
* In case of pain and swelling in the ball of foot beneath big toe, a low-heeled shoe with stiff sole and soft padding inside is recommended.
* Heel spurs in the back of the arch right in front of heel and pain is most severe with first steps after getting out of bed or after rest. In the shoe, a cut quarter-size hole surrounding painful area and silicon gel heel cushions can make you feel better.
* Flat feet in the arch of foot can cause discomfort, fatigue and weakness in the feet and sometimes can produce pain. A custom-made insole with medial arch support shoe can be helpful.
* Hollow feet or high arch can cause lower back pain and possible tendency to lower limb injuries. A custom-made insole with proper arch support shoe can be helpful.

