Question
A long time ago as a kid I was diagnosed as having "floppy feet" and they tend to be wide towards the end. I at one time had shoe inserts which probably set my mother back $100, but I never wore them. They weren't terribly comfortable. I was wondering. Are the benefits better for having shoes that are too loose, versus too tight? My sneakers don't seem to last as long as they used to and I was thinking of going up a size or two just to keep my foot from over stretching them.

Also I was wondering if there are many issues or disorders associated with strain and numbness in the arches of feet? I am 32 and male and I am not sure if it is something medical or if I simply need to stretch more before starting my day at my age.

Answer
Dear James,

This Orthopedic Chicago Podiatrist located in West Loop 60661,Roscoe Village 60618, Elmhurst 60126 & Bartlett 60103 says...
For your orthotic question. The shoe should be snug, but not tight, and the foot should not move during walking. Go see a podiatrist to get a fresh diagnosis. Do not wear old orthotics. If you are going to wear orthotics, then you may need a shoe that is a little bigger. Wear the right size shoes! Bring the orthotics with you to the shoe store and try the shoe on with the orthotic. See if the liner can be lifted-like a gym shoe insert-to make more room for the orthotic. The doctor should be informed if the orthotic is not comfortable. At the AnkleNFootCenters we always make sure that the orthotic is functional & as comfortable as can be!

Hope this helps.
Good Luck!
The podiatrists of AnkleNFootCenters.com are specialists in orthopedics and sports medicine.
We are located in Chicago & Elmhurst

Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661


DISCLAIMER:
This information is offered as free advice and as general information. It may not be applicable to the specific questioner and his/her problem.  It is not based on actual knowledge of the questioner or his/her medical history and it cannot and should not be relied upon as definitive medical opinion or advice.  Reliable medical opinion and advice can only be obtained through hands-on physical contact and exam of the patient to establish an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.  No doctor/patient relationship is created or established here and may not be inferred through answers on this site.  The questioner and other readers must consult his/her own doctor before proceeding or implementing any suggestions contained within this document and answers on this site.  The questioner is only to act upon his/her own doctor抯 orders and recommendations. By reading this posting which follows, the reader fully understands and confirms that he/she holds harmless this writer. If this is not fully agreeable to you, the reader, and/or you have not attained the age of 18 years, you hereby are advised to read no further.