Sole-saving tips:
Avoid flip-flops and mules. Nemia Walter / EyeEm / Getty Images “Any backless shoe will contribute to or aggravate hammertoes because you have to curl your toes to keep them on your feet,” Torres-Hodges says. (If you must wear flip flops, at least try one of these pairs which provide arch support.) MORE: 16 Ways To Treat Foot Pain Don’t self-treat. If you suspect you have a foot condition, skip the splints and shoe inserts you see at the pharmacy and head to a podiatrist first. “It’s better to have your feet assessed properly, rather than trying to manage problems on your own,” Torres-Hodges says. Without the right care, bunions and hammertoes will only get worse, and surgery—rather than noninvasive treatments such as orthotics and anti-inflammatory medication—may be the only way to alleviate pain. Find your arch type with this simple test: Keep your weight in check. stockvisual/Getty Images Any extra pounds you may have gained during menopause increase the pressure on your feet, exacerbating any pain you may have and accelerating the degeneration of the fat pads. (Check out these 15 teeny tiny changes you can make to help you lose weight.) Being overweight or obese is also a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, which can sometimes lead to serious foot problems such as ulcers, poor circulation, and neuropathy.
