There are several interesting professions today, and one of the most interesting is a foot and ankle surgeon. Among the many common foot conditions, one of the most common for women involves what high heels might do to the feet. High heels have the effect of defining the calf, and yet it often seems the prettier the shoe, the more damage to the foot. The American Podiatric Medical Association cites high heels as the poorest shoe choice for your health, affecting your balance, gait, and damaging feet.
Consider:
- An untreated sprain may lead to future instability, early arthritis, exercise difficulty, and balance issues
- High heels pull the muscles and joints out of sync with the rest of your body, causing back and knee pain.
- 42% of women 25-49 years of age wear heels daily; 34% of women over 50 wear them as well.
- In 1986, 60% of women wore heels daily; that has decreased today to below 39%. As women now opt for more comfort.
- A 1” heel puts 22% of body weight on the ball of your foot; a 2” heel places 57% of your weight; and a 3” heel puts a whopping 76% of your body weight on the forward foot. Yikes.
- Pointy shoes that are tight may cause ingrown toenails and/or bunions.
So how to be safe and comfortable while looking fashionable? Some tips:
- Avoid wearing high heels on a daily basis and vary your shoe choices to rotate heel heights.
- Wedges are fashionable, more stable, and provide height.
- When wearing high heels, limit wear to 4 or 5 hours at a time.
- Limit heel height to 2”; if you need more height, choose a platform with an incline of a couple inches.
- Avoid pointed toe boxes that squeeze your toes together.
- Our feet tend to expand as the day progresses so purchase shoes later in the day for the best fit.
- Perform daily calf stretches.
- Shoes that are too large may cause blisters from friction when walking; leather insoles will help keep your foot from sliding inside the shoe.
- Choose a thicker heel rather than a skinny stiletto for better balance.
- Many savvy shoe brands are making dressy flats so why not opt for a pair?
If you suspect that you have a disturbing condition involving your feet, check with a podiatrist early to avoid more severe complications. Your health is worth it!