Few relationships in a lady’s life are as love-hate as the one she has with her high heels. We love it because it looks good and makes legs look longer and slimmer, helping petite women appear taller and taller women. The hatred, however, comes when the pain begins.
High heels are the No. 1 reason behind foot pain. 1 for girls, according to a American Podiatric Medical Association survey. Nearly half of all women wear heels, and 71 percent of heel wearers say they hurt their feet, reports APMA.
“With many types of high heels, such as very high stilettos, foot pain is hard to avoid,” says Dr. Matthew G. Garoufalis, podiatrist and former president of the APMA. “But women can find a happy middle ground between great looks and extreme pain.”
APMA offers some basic guidelines for selecting the better heels for you:
* Nearly half of heel owners admit to wearing heels 3 inches or higher. That height, however, shifts the body weight forward and puts enormous stress on the balls of the feet and the toes. Avoid heels higher than 2 inches.
* High stilettos with a pointy, closed toe are the worst type of shoe for your feet. Instead, choose a heel with a large toe box area and additional cushioning in the toe of the shoe. A slight heel or wedge encourages your arch to lift.
* Consider wearing supportive shoes during your trip and becoming high heels once you get to the office. This will help minimize the time your feet spend in high heels.
* Cat heels are an excellent, foot-friendly option for heel wearers. With a heel height generally less than 1 inch, the cat heel provides a little bit of height without the stress that a higher heel can create.
* Be careful when wearing platforms or wedges, as these forces can interfere with your balance and stability. Very high shoes can cause the ankle to roll and fall. Opt for platforms and lower wedges secured by ankle straps.
* When the weather is warm, peep toe seduces women to show off a lovely pedicure. However, bear in mind that peeking toes can cause the toes to slip forward or overlap, and can even push the edge of the nail into the skin, causing an ingrown toenail.
* Visit the APMA website, www.apma.orgto review a list of podiatrist-approved women’s footwear that has earned the organization’s Seal of Acceptance.
* If you have persistent foot pain, see a podiatrist. Feet should not hurt all the time, and if they do, it could indicate injury, irritation, or sickness. You can find a podiatrist in your area by visiting the APMA website.
Finally, even if you’re like the average American woman and own nine pairs of high heels, do not wear them every day. Wearing heels every day can cause the Achilles tendon (the strong tendon at the back of your ankle) to shrink, increasing your risk of injury during activities in flat shoes, including playing sports.
“Treat heels like dessert,” says Garoufalis. “Don’t wear it all the time, only on special occasions.”
