Prevention

You can avoid many foot, heel and ankle problems with shoes that fit properly. Here's what to look for when buying shoes:

• Adequate toe room. Avoid shoes with pointed toes.
• Low heels. Avoiding high heels will help you avoid back problems.
• Adjustability. Laced or strapped shoes are roomier and adjustable.

These additional tips can help you buy the right shoes:

• Buy shoes at the end of the day. Your feet swell throughout the day.
• Check your size. As you age, your shoe size might change — especially the width. Measure both feet and buy for the larger foot.
• Buy shoes that fit. Be sure shoes are comfortable before you buy them. If necessary, a shoe repair store might be able to stretch shoes in tight spots, but it's better to buy them to fit.