2752 North Southport Avenue
(at Diversey)
Chicago, IL 60614
773-327-0006
Serving Lincoln Park, Lakeview and Greater Chicagoland Communities
Wear Patterns
Dr. Debra Young and staff strive to improve the overall health of our patients by focusing on preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions associated with your feet. Please use our podiatric library to learn more about foot problems and treatments available.We have articles on prevention and treatment. There are also conditions that are in the big toe that are not bunions. You need to know about these also so you can be well informed. Hallux Rigidus and hallus limitus describe stiffness in the great toe joints; but without a big angle. We call them "no sympathy" bunions because one's friends remark "how can it hurt if it looks so normal". If that sounds familiar read about those conditions under foot problems and foot deformities.
If you have questions or need to schedule an appointment, contact us.
We also have booklets you can request free of charge; select contact us and send us an email to get them.
Examining old shoes before buying new ones can help you evaluate your wear patterns and buy new shoes with a better fit and style that compensates for the stresses you place on shoes.
What are your shoes trying to tell you? Here is a translation of basic wear patterns:
- A bulge and wear to the side of the big toe means too-narrow fit or you have a bunion.
- Outer sole wear means you turn your foot out. Orthotics may help.
- Toe-shaped ridges on the upper means your shoes are too small or you have hammertoes.
- Wear on the ball of the foot means your heel tendons may be too tight.
- Wear on the inner sole means you pronate or turn your foot inward. Inner liners or orthotics may help.
- Wear on the upper, above the toes means the front of your shoe is too low.