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If The Shoe Doesn't Fit, Don't Wear It

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Achy feet?

CBS 2's Kathryn Brown has reported that the shoe size you're wearing could have a bigger impact on your overall health than you may realize.

Most adults don't bother to get their feet measured regularly. Instead, they settle into a routine and stick with it.

"I kind of grew into it, and then it just stayed a 10 1/2," said shoe shopper John Junior.

But that's practically impossible, say doctors who are seeing more adult patients with foot, leg, hip and back pain.

"One of the more common things that we see is that a woman or a man will be trying to fit a size 9 foot into a size 7 shoe," said Dr. Rock Positano of the Hospital for Special Surgery. "That's a problem."

Brown took what's called a Brannok device used to measure shoe sizes out onto the streets.

The results?

Heidi Sarna buys a size 9, but measured a size 7 1/2.

"Maybe it's like upside down or something," she said.

Debbie Sanchez usually wears a size 8, but measured much smaller as well.

Experts say it's equally bad for you to wear shoes that are too small or too big. They recommend getting your feet measured at least once a year.

"Mechanically, when the shoe isn't fitting correctly, it can cause the foot to work twice as hard," Positano said.

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