Be on the lookout for these warning signs that you're unintentionally ruining your feet

Did you know that you should change your shoes every six months, or at least every year? Many orthopedists are convinced that people cling to old shoes for too long, which in the long run can have an unhealthy effect on our feet and increase the chance of injury.

But how do you know when it's time to replace an old pair of shoes? While foot pain is a clear sign that you need new ones, there are a number of other signals that aren't so obvious at first glance.

Your shoes are falling apart

"If you notice that your shoes are wearing unevenly or if you feel like they're breaking down faster than usual, that's a good sign that they're not made well and are causing you harm," says American orthopedist Daniel Pledger. If the shoe is made of cheap materials, the foot support is not sufficient. The shoe thus wears out and falls apart faster with frequent wear.

You feel pain in your feet, knees and lower back

Your shoes play an important role, not only in the health of your feet, but also in your posture and mobility. So if you experience pain in your feet, knees or lower back, it may be a sign that your shoes are not providing the necessary support. A study published in the Journal of Food and Ankle Research found that foot pain and foot problems can be caused by the wrong shoe size. Almost two-thirds of the participants wore shoes that did not fit either the width or the length of their feet, causing pain and discomfort such as minor toe deformities, corns, and calluses.

Blisters

Blisters can be a warning sign that a particular pair of shoes is not serving you well. Blisters occur when the skin of the foot rubs against the shoe, causing the skin cells to separate, and in their place, fluid accumulates due to the constant friction.

Redness in the feet

If you're experiencing redness on your toes or irritation in the front of your foot under your toes, it may be time to change your footwear. Corns are also one of the signals. Red feet can be a sign of many health problems, such as infections and inflammation, but it can also be a warning signal that you need to replace your footwear. Shoes that are too tight can cause athlete's foot, a fungal infection that can occur when sweaty feet are confined to a tight pair.