We all have to wear shoes and it is no longer a matter of having a pair but about one’s sense of style and expression. Unfortunately not everyone is able to express themselves via their feet.
They struggle when it comes to getting their shoe size and most of the times a good pair comes with pain. This is what many people with wide feet go through and is becoming a concern but not to worry because once you are informed, you will know what to do.
Why Do I have Wide Feet?
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Having wide feet is not a freakish act of nature but it is something that a person has in their genes just like the color of their hair or eyes. Having wide feet is not a bad thing. All it means is that your feet are unique and you spend more time getting shoes but eventually you will get them and be happy.
The other reason why you could have wide feet are flat arches. This is also a genetic condition where those with fallen arches have the curve of their foot collapse when their arches stand. The result is that their feet appear to be wider. There are treatments that solve this and slim your feet.
Wearing shoes that don’t fit can also cause you to have wide feet. Avoid those shoes that are too cute and too small for you yet you just want to fit into the glass slipper like Cinderella’s sisters. You might just develop bunions and these are quite painful.
Edema, a medical condition which causes swelling can also cause wide feet. Edema can be caused by several factors including sitting down for long or even other serious complications like kidney and heart complications.
The other reason why your feet could be wide is because you are pregnant. This actually common during the second and the third trimester. This is mainly due to a hormone known as Relaxin that when released causes the joints around the pelvis to loosen and the ligaments around your feet to stretch hence the feet widening.
It should be noted that men generally have wider feet than women but women are more likely to develop bunions because their shoes are normally narrow and tighter. For the ladies who put on unisex shoes in men’s sizes, the width difference is still accounted for because a man’s average shoe size is still considered to be wide for a woman.
The Problems that come with Wide Feet
The first problem is dealing with bunions. These appear when when the tissue below your big toe is enlarged. When you have bunions, shoes are a painful thing to wear. Corns also come in when your shoes rub your skin. Corns unlike bunions, heal faster but they are still painful and can cut your skin. Wear socks to prevent the development of corns.
How do I know My Feet are Wide?
Most people who have wide feet do not know that. There is a simple test that you can do to find out. First get a pen, a piece of paper that can fit your feet, and a tape measure or a ruler.
It is advisable that you conduct this test at night since feet expand during the day.
You should also ensure that the surface you use is even so that you get accurate measurement. If you normally wear your shoes with socks on then you better wear the socks before measuring.
Foot width determination process
For those who genetically have wide feet, there is nothing much that can be done. If you have been sitting down for long hours then you need to walk for about 20 minutes daily. If the swelling still persists then try stretching. You should also note your weight because your feet grow in order to support your body. If all else fails then you need to see the doctor in case there is an underlying issue that has not been detected.