Sculptures can come in some fantastic and odd shapes. Swirls, twirls, and angles are all fair game in art, and you can see this beautifully on display in the San Antonio Botanical Gardens. The sculptures of Richard Hunt are on display this year, arranged throughout the gardens to provide a unique atmosphere for viewing the abstract sculptures. All those odd shapes look wonderful in art, but you wouldn’t want them showing up in your feet. Unfortunately, foot deformities can make your feet look more like abstract art pieces than limbs!
Preventing foot deformities is better for your body—and your comfort—than trying to deal with a condition after it’s had a chance to take hold of your foot. Common deformities include bunions, hammertoes, mallet toes, and claw toes. Typically, these develop from biomechanical issues in the lower limbs. Frequently, deformities influence each other, too: developing one, like a bunion, increases your odds for developing something else as well.
A large factor in developing any of these conditions is your inherited foot shape, but outside forces, like your shoes and general overuse, play significant and influential roles as well. Controlling these outside factors, then, is the key for preventing foot deformities.
Wear supportive shoes that stabilize your midfoot and your heel without shifting your weight forward onto the ball of the foot. Choose wide models with plenty of room in the toe box as well. This way, your toes aren’t cramped into bent or curled positions, which could encourage a deformity over time.
Many people benefit from orthotics to help control abnormal mechanics, too. Also, if you notice any unusual changes in your foot or toe shape, or you have regular foot pain, don’t ignore these signals. Have your feet examined before any potential problems progress into full-blown deformities.
If you need any help with keeping your feet naturally beautiful instead of becoming abstract structures, contact Dr. Darren Silvester at Next Step Foot & Ankle Clinic here in Pleasanton, TX. Submit an online request or call (830) 569-3338 to reach us.
