OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Footwear Suggestions for Various Needs

6/30/2025, 2:30:32 AMMale25-34

Profile: 5'10" tall, weighing 250 pounds, non-smoker, and not currently on any medication. Health Concern: Experiencing gout attacks predominantly affecting the large toe on the left foot. Foot Shape: Requires extra wide footwear, specifically sizes 10 or 10.5. Request: Seeking recommendations for comfortable men's shoes in sizes 10 or 10.5 with extra wide specifications (6E). I typically walk a significant distance—averaging over 8,000 steps daily—so finding suitable footwear is essential. At present, I'm using a brand of zero drop shoes that feature a wide toe box without any additional inserts. These shoes serve me well during infrequent gout flare-ups, allowing me to wear them even when limping slightly to manage work commitments. However, I believe there are better options available for my needs.

Weight ManagementAgingLifestyle Changes

Answers (1)

Cony

6/30/2025, 2:30:51 AM

OpenHealth AI

It's great that you're actively seeking the best footwear to accommodate your needs, especially with your experience of gout and daily steps. Comfortable, supportive shoes can significantly alleviate discomfort during gout attacks and help maintain your activity levels. Let's focus on finding the right options for you.

Key Points:

  1. Gout affects foot comfort, especially in the big toe area.
  2. Prioritize extra wide shoes (6E) with cushioning and support.
  3. Consider footwear that accommodates walking long distances.

Explanation:

Gout can make your big toe sensitive, particularly during flare-ups, so footwear that provides space and cushioning is essential. Zero drop shoes with a wide toe box are beneficial, but since you're looking for more options, it's crucial to seek shoes specifically designed for wider feet and with good support.

Recommended Features:

  • Arch Support: Providing proper foot alignment and reducing strain on your toes.
  • Cushioned Sole: Helps absorb impact, especially important for your daily step count.
  • Wide Toe Box: To avoid pressure on inflamed areas, allowing for some swelling during flare-ups.
  • Quality Materials: Look for soft, breathable materials to enhance comfort.

Next Steps:

  1. Try Brands Known for Wide Sizes: Look for brands like New Balance, Brooks, and Asics. They often have extra wide options (6E sizing) tailored for comfort and support.

  2. Visit a Specialty Shoe Store: Consider going to a store that specializes in orthopedic footwear. They can provide personalized fitting and suggest suitable models based on your foot shape.

  3. Focus on Soft, Flexible Materials: Shoes made from mesh or soft leather can provide the comfort you need without putting too much pressure on your toe joints.

  4. Consider Orthotics: If your current shoes still cause discomfort, exploring high-quality orthotic inserts may further enhance comfort and support.

  5. Alternate Footwear: While you enjoy zero drop shoes, consider having a pair of shoes with slight cushioning and arch support for days when you anticipate more strain on your feet.

By focusing on these prioritized steps, you should be able to find suitable footwear that minimizes discomfort and supports your activity levels. Let me know if you need more specific recommendations or help with anything else!

Related Questions

Combining Ketorolac with Alcohol: Is It Safe?

Recently, I unknowingly mixed a 10mg dose of ketorolac with half a bottle of 4.5% beer. At that moment, I wasn't aware of the potential risks involved in this combination. It wasn't until I was partway through my drink that I thought to look it up. Now, I’m wondering if it’ll be fine for me to have a drink tomorrow night after stopping all ketorolac use, especially since this medication hasn’t been effective for my pain relief. To give you an idea of the timeline, I took ketorolac around 2 PM and didn’t start drinking until 11 PM.

WellnessSupplementsLifestyle Changes
Male25-34
8 minutes ago

Concerns About My Eye Condition

I'm a 19-year-old female, weighing 190 pounds and standing 5'5". Lately, I’ve noticed some troubling changes in my eyes. There are prominent, red veins extending from the inner corners of my eyes into the irises. Additionally, there are bright red streaks and pools forming at the lower part of both eyes beneath the eyelids, bordered by a yellowish hue. When I consulted two different doctors, they were unable to pinpoint the issue and simply recommended lubricating eye drops. Unfortunately, the condition seems to be deteriorating, with the redness spreading further. While there is no significant pain, keeping my eyes open feels like a struggle, and my vision has become increasingly blurry, leading to some headaches. I’ve been unwell recently, but I’m uncertain if this has any relevance to my eye problems. Any advice or insights would be immensely helpful.

AgingFamily MedicineInternal Medicine
Male25-34
48 minutes ago

Experiencing Numbness in the Right Arm or Leg?

Hello! I’m a 17-year-old assigned female at birth, weighing approximately 110 pounds and standing around 5 feet 2-3 inches tall. At the moment, I’m not taking any medications and I don’t smoke. Recently, I’ve been facing a peculiar issue where my right leg or arm occasionally becomes numb. This sensation only impacts my right side and never the left. It can occur at any time, both during day and night. Typically, the numbness in my leg arises when I’m lying in bed, although I also experience it randomly throughout the day. I’m curious if anyone has any insights or thoughts about whether this could be something more serious than just a problem with my posture, haha!

AgingLifestyle ChangesPreventive Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Concerns About Telemedicine during a Drive

Hello everyone, I'm a 28-year-old woman with a background of thyroid cancer, necessitating routine check-ups every six months. Recently, a question came to my mind regarding the professional conduct of my primary care physician. I was taken aback to learn that she participated in my telemedicine appointment while driving. I've noticed her appearing somewhat distracted during our in-person visits and at times, she forgets the medications we discuss during our reviews, but this situation felt even more inappropriate. It’s challenging for me to comprehend why I’m spending $450 post-insurance for what feels like a casual video call when it’s clear she is multitasking. Although I've been under her care for about two years, I'm eager to find a practitioner who will genuinely take the time to understand my health history and build a long-term relationship. I appreciate any insights you can offer!

Lifestyle ChangesFamily MedicinePreventive Medicine
Male25-34
2 hours ago

Concerns About a Recent Lump on My Shaft: Seeking Guidance

I’m a 20-year-old male with allergies primarily to wood, pollen, and grass, which used to cause me hives, but that issue has resolved. Now, to address the main concern. I found a lump on my shaft while showering yesterday morning, and it caught me off guard. Up until now, I haven’t experienced any discomfort, and I still feel largely fine. The size of the lump is similar to that of a pimple or possibly a cyst, but I'm unsure. I'm contemplating whether it would be wise to consult a doctor about this issue, as I want to be informed on how to proceed. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

AgingFamily MedicinePreventive Medicine
Male25-34
2 hours ago