Tips on Protecting Your Feet from High-Heels
On an average day, your poor feet take about 9,000 steps and absorb hundreds of tons of stress. It's no surprise, then, that feet are more prone to injury than any part of the body. In fact, pertinent records show that about 75 percent of North Americans - mostly women - have foot problems. Podiatrists say that a major cause of such ailments is constrictive footwear (many women wear shoes that are too small). High heels, which must fit snugly in order to stay on, are often one of the culprits.
Since the 16th century, high heels have been synonymous with fashion. The reason? Sex appeal. High heels make women appear taller and shapelier by defining the calf muscle, arching the lower back, and thrusting out the chest. But looks don't come cheap.
When the toes are squeezed into a narrow toe box, they can overlap or become mis-shapen, leading to all manner of foot problems. Pointy shoes can cause bunions (bony protrusions at the base of the big toe) and hammertoes (toes that are bent into a claw-like position). Wearing them can also lead to a condition known as Morton's neuroma (a growth of nerve and fibrous tissue, often between the third and the fourth toes), which can cause pain, burning, tingling, or numbness. Friction from tight shoes can result in painful blisters, corns, calluses, and ingrown toenails. While most of these conditions are treatable, some of them may require surgery.
Most podiatrists frown on wearing high heels regularly. But if you must bow to fashion, follow these tips:
- Wear heels for no more than three hours a day; alternate with flats.
- Choose a "comfort" pump that provides arch support and cushioning.
- Don't wear heels over 2 inches (5 centimeters) high; every 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) increases the stress on the ball of the foot by 50 percent.
- Buy shoes with square or rounded toes rather than pointed ones.
- Opt for shoes with a wide heel.
- Spring for soft leather; synthetic materials promote perspiration, which can cause blisters.
High heels also wreak havoc on other parts of the body. They shift a person's weight to the ball of the foot, forcing the rear leg ligaments to contract and shortening the calf muscles. They also cause hyperextension of the back and neck, straining those muscles and throwing the body off balance. The higher the heel, the worse the strain. Wearing sneakers or flats will help you avoid these problems.
Tags: Feet , High-heels
