Sciatica is incredibly painful. This condition sends pain up the sciatic nerve to the lower back, buttocks, or hips. Since it causes extreme discomfort, sciatica sufferers should do everything they can to decrease the pain. Perhaps the easiest thing you can do is avoid common footwear mistakes that might make the symptoms worse.
Wearing High Heels
One footwear mistake to avoid if you have sciatica is wearing high heels. High heels offer no arch support. Moreover, this type of footwear contorts the foot and back into awkward shapes. As a result, wearing high heels puts more pressure on the feet, legs, hips, and back. Often, high heel shoes aggravate the sciatic nerves located between the hips and back.
Wearing Flip-Flops
Flip-flops are another pair of shoes you should avoid if you have sciatica. Like high heels, flip-flops offer no foot support. Your arch remains flat and close to the ground, and your plantar ligaments are in constant motion trying to stabilize your foot and body. This often leads to plantar fasciitis and heel spurs, which are directly related to excessive flexibility. Flip-flops put additional pressure on your back and sciatic nerves because your back is trying to overcompensate for the lack of support.
Not Wearing Orthopedics
Orthopedic footwear is a must if you have sciatica. By not wearing orthopedics, your symptoms may worsen. Orthopedics will give your feet the support they need to withstand extended pressure and the unstable surfaces you walk on every day.
Not Replacing Shoes
We all have that pair of sneakers we love. These shoes got you through college and your first serious relationship. Although they have sentimental value, it’s unwise to continue to wear them every day. You must replace shoes when they lose their structure, or your sciatica may flare up.
Z-CoiL Footwear is proud to offer life-changing footwear that might decrease your sciatica symptoms. Follow these four footwear mistakes to avoid if you have sciatica so you can improve your quality of life. Shop Z-CoiL Footwear’s selection of orthopedic footwear today. Our unique design will give your feet the structure they need so that your sciatic nerve isn’t triggered. There’s no reason to make life more challenging or painful when solid solutions exist.