Pain of Your Pumps – 5 Ways to Keep Your Killer Heels From Killing Your Body
High heels may look good, but they are one of the biggest factors leading to foot problems in women, with up to a third of all women suffering permanent problems as a result of continuous wear. Pumps that are two inches or higher force our foot in an unnatural position causing a variety of issues such as ingrown toenails, bunions and nerve damage. Heels also cause our body to tilt forward and to compensate we lean backward, causing strain on our knees, hips and lower back. High heels have also been linkied to shortened calf muscles, osteoarthritis in our knees, plantar fasciitis and low back pain.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, one out of every six people in our country has foot problems - that is more than 43 million Americans. Eight out of every 10 women say their shoes are painful, and women are nine times more likely to develop foot problems because of badly fitted shoes than are men. Dr. Stuart Honick of Go Feet talks with Robin Stoloff in her weekly feature, Living Well on Lite Rock 96.9 WFPG - check it out every Sunday 9-11am.
Here are some way to avoid the pain and discomfort of foot problems...
- 1
Don't Go So High
Wear lower heels, an inch and a half or less, with a wide heel base to spread out your weight more evenly. Higher heels can lead to a shortening of your Achilles tendon, and there is very little support with narrow, stiletto heels.
- 2
Wear Insoles
Soft insoles inside your shoes will help cushion your feet and reduce the impact on your knees and back.
- 3
Size Them Right
If your foot slides forward, it puts more pressure on your toes, so get shoes with a wide toe box. Should be able to wiggle your toes!
- 4
Limit Time in Your Heels
Limit the amount of time you wear high heels, such as going out to dinner when walking is limited. For commuting to work, wear athletic or walking shoes. Alternate footwear so you are not wearing high heels every single day.
- 5
Stretch It and Work It
Stretch your calf muscles and roll a tennis ball under your foot every day. Also, take time for a little pampering and give yourself a foot massage once a week.
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