If you are suffering from foot pain and frequent blisters, it is worth considering whether you have wide feet. Wide feet, when not supported with the right footwear can also lead to foot deformities. Before you start to worry, it's worth a mention that wide feet is a fairly common foot problem and can be easily addressed. Here’s what you should know about its causes, how to tell if your feet are indeed wider than average, and most importantly what to do about it.
What are the causes of wide feet?
The most common cause is genetics. If you have flat feet, odds are that you may also be dealing with wide feet.
However, sometimes you may encounter a situation where you weren’t born with wide feet, but that they have become broad over a period of time. There could be many reasons for that, including but not limited to:
- Any injury
- Pregnancy
- Aging
- Swelling in the feet
- Foot deformities
- Other health issues
- Use of improper footwear
Before you take steps to correct wide feet, you will need to determine whether or not your feet are indeed wide. In fact, it is recommended that you measure your feet every few years. For this, you simply need to trace an outline of your feet on paper and then measure its length and width. It is advisable to do this exercise in the evening when your feet tend to expand after a long day. Also make it a point to measure both your feet, as there could be a slight difference in the size of both. On the basis of your measurements, the size chart can indicate to you if you need wide shoes.
What can you do for wide feet?
1. Supportive pair of shoes
If the size chart indeed tells you that your feet are wide, the first thing you need to do is to get shoes that fit properly. Wearing the right shoe size based on your foot measurements can go a long way in offering you the relief from issues that wide feet bring. It is imperative that your feet shouldn’t be cramped and that you should be able to wiggle your toes. With enough breathing room, not only can you walk around without as much discomfort, but any deformities that you may have may also be able to heal.
2. See a doctor
If the problems associated with wide feet are debilitating, it is best to see a doctor. You could be dealing with an injury or foot-specific issues such as Plantar Fasciitis or a heel spur, for which you may need to receive a specific treatment.