Submitted by: Dr's Steven and Mindy Lam,
Foot Care of Clifton Park
High heeled shoes not only enhance the appearance of your
legs, but also can make your whole outfit look better. Since high heeled shoes
are in the height of style, women need to use extra care in selecting and
wearing fashionable dress shoes. Unfortunately, the 3 to 4 inch heel heights,
stiletto heel style, and pointy toe box can lead to many foot and ankle
problems.
As shoe height increases, there is an increase in the weight
bearing forces on the balls of the feet. Concurrently, five toes are crammed
into a space that should only accommodate three. No doubt, this combination can
result in significant discomfort, especially if the shoes arent the correct
size to begin with. If still planning to pick fashion over comfort, then look
for shoes that have some cushion in the ball of the foot, and make sure there is
sufficient shoe width for all your toes.
When purchasing fashionable shoes, you should also pay
attention to heel stability. You want a shoe that has a stiff heel and firmly
fits around your feet. High heeled shoes make it difficult for the feet to sense
and balance. It is important to walk around on all types of floor surfaces
before purchasing your shoes.
Some maladies seen with high heeled shoe wear include
sprains/strains, stress fractures, neuromas (nerve inflammation), blisters,
calluses, metatarsalgia (inflammation in the ball of the foot), and worsening of
foot deformities such as bunions and hammertoes. The combination of poor shock
absorption and changes in gait pattern caused by these types of shoes can lead
to back and knee pain. Prolonged use can also tighten the Achilles tendon
(calf).
High heel tips
Do not wear high heels the whole day long.
Ideally the heels must not be longer than about 4 cms.
Get your feet measured correctly to choose the right size
high heels.
If high heeled shoes are worn for prolonged periods of
time, it is important to perform calf stretching to limit the amount of
contraction.
Practice standing and walking at home so that you can walk
gracefully in small strides.
Published 7/30/2010
