Orthopedic shoes are not just for older people any more. Many people have problems with their feet hurting. Wearing the wrong type or size of shoe can cause a lot of discomfort in your feet, ankles and legs. Orthopedic shoes may relieve some of those sore feet.

Women tend to have many different types of shoes and some may even be different sizes. Women also wear a lot of high heeled shoes, which are not good for your body at all. The high heeled shoe often squeezes the toes tight together and brings the arch of your foot up too high.

Men tend to stick with only one or two pairs of shoes. Running or everyday shoes are great for the feet but dress shoes for men are often stiff and can squeeze the toes similar to women's high heeled shoes. Wearing the same shoes all the time can make you feet hurt because you won't change the muscles used in your feet if you don't change the types of shoes often enough.

Orthopedic shoes have different options available to them to help develop the correct muscles in your feet and legs. This will relieve pain in your feet, ankles, legs, and back.

One thing that orthopedic shoes offer that traditional shoes don't is arch support. Having support under your arch in your shoe will absorb shock better and help to keep the foot in the proper position.

Another thing that orthopedic shoes can offer that you won't find in many shoes is extra width. Finding out what width your feet are and fitting the shoes to fit will give you a lot more comfort and support. Many stores are beginning to offer more shoes in wider widths but the sizes and styles are still very limited at this point.

If you have tried both of these options for shoes and are still having pain or discomfort in your feet, ankles, legs or back it may be time to seek help. You can visit a variety of different doctors who specialize in the feet. Orthopedic, Podiatrists, and Bone and Joint doctors are some of the kinds of doctors you may want to make an appointment with.

They can help you find out what kind of orthopedic shoes will best fit your individual needs. Orthopedic shoes are beginning to be sold in more stores nationwide. Shoes are an important part of your health and should be chosen carefully.