Saudi Gazette Everybody is fond of exercising, and walking for most is one of the most favorable forms of exercise. However, unfortunately, some people use unsuitable shoes for walking like regular shoes, sandals, fancy slippers or sometimes even flip flops. “Well, I'm exercising and that's more important.” This is the general comment you receive from people when you try to stop them from wearing improper shoes while walking. Dr. Tawfik Mitwali, an orthopedic surgeon advises choosing shoes that provide full support and are specifically tailored for walking, training or running. “There are shoes made for general use such as training shoes but flip flops or regular shoes have no significant orthopedic support for the foot which is the most important part of the body,” he said. Biomechanics refers to the internal and external forces of the human body, and the manner in which these forces affect the human body. This means every movement that your foot makes in the act of walking affects other parts of your body. Dr. Amro Al-Hibshi, a sports injury consultant, said, “If shoes don't provide the necessary support for the arches and heels, they prevent essential range of motion in the foot. When feet are not able to function properly, other parts of your body must overcompensate.” According to Al-Hibshi when the body overcompensates, it is common to suffer from pain in the heels, ankles, knees, hips and lower back. The pain in these joints can then lead to weakness and further injury. Experts believe that being comfortable while you walk affects your distance, speed and endurance. Continuity in your routine of walking depends greatly on the benefits you gain; no one wants to walk a distance feeling uncomfortable or in pain. If you wear proper shoes then you can carry on a healthy and injury-free walking schedule for a very long time. You might be wondering that selecting the correct shoe for walking will be a tedious task, but it's not. In fact, it is surprisingly easy as most shoe stores offer a free foot analysis by staff that is trained to advise you on the best type of shoes for you. Another option for determining which shoe is most suitable for you is to have a podiatrist or a sports medicine expert evaluate your foot type and depending on it you can make your purchase. Generally, these professionals assess your feet by determining the needs for your arch and heel support. Replacing your shoes on a regular basis is important to stay free of injury and pain. “You should replace your shoes every 350 to 400 miles, or every six months,”Al-Hibshi said. He further added, The midsole- the part of the sole between the bottom of the shoe and the upper part of the shoe gets affected the most and its utility can decrease due to inclement weather, excessive weight and terrain which is why replacement is needed. __
