You’ve just bought a new pair of fabulous shoes that you wish to rock on your next night out.
Surely high heels are the most stylish choice when it comes to putting together a nice outfit, but they can also be incredibly uncomfortable, making your feet less than happy.
In addition to that, an incorrect use of heels can result in a series of unpleasant foot health conditions, like bunions, you want to avoid at all costs.
That’s why we’ve decided, together with our foot care specialist, to put together a small vademecum on high heels and foot health. Keep reading for our best tips to rock your new shoes without damaging your feet!
High Heels: What Can They Cause?
As sexy and fashionable as they are, heels are also linked to a wide range of very unpleasant -and definitely non sexy- foot health conditions.
But this shouldn’t come as a surprise, since all wrong shoes can have a negative impact on your feet -and also have the power to make them really smelly!
And if it’s true what’s being said -that beauty is pain-, high heels can be the cause of:
Bunions: The High Heel Hazard
Bunions, painful bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, are often exacerbated by narrow, tight-fitting high heels. They occur when the big toe pushes against the next toe, causing the joint of the big toe to get bigger and stick out.
Prevention Tips:
Choose Wide-Toed Shoes: Opt for heels with a wider toe box to reduce pressure on the toes.
Use Bunion Pads: Bunion pads can shield your feet from excessive rubbing, preventing bunions from worsening.
What to Do: If you notice signs of a bunion, consult a foot care specialist. Early intervention can prevent the need for surgical treatment.
Hammer Toes: Bent Out of Shape
Hammer toes are deformities in the second, third, or fourth toes causing them to bend at the middle joint. Tight shoes, especially high heels, can exacerbate this condition.
Prevention Tips:
Limit Heel Height: Lower heels cause less foot strain and can prevent the progression of hammer toes.
Orthotic Inserts: Consider custom orthotic devices designed to relieve pressure and maintain proper foot alignment.
What to Do: Persistent pain or mobility issues should be evaluated by a professional who may recommend physical therapy or corrective devices.
Sprained Ankles: A Misstep Away
High heels can destabilize your ankles, increasing the risk of sprains. This occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle stretch or tear.
Prevention Tips:
Strength Training: Exercises like calf raises can strengthen the muscles around your ankles, improving stability.
Choose Block Heels: These offer better balance than stilettos, reducing the risk of ankle sprains.
What to Do: Ankle sprains should be treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Severe sprains may require medical attention.
Back Pain: The High Heels Backlash
Frequent high heel use can lead to an increased risk of back pain. This is due to the unnatural posture that high heels force on the lower back, potentially causing alignment and muscle strain issues.
Prevention Tips:
Limit Wearing Time: Alternating between high heels and comfortable flats can prevent prolonged strain.
Enhance Core Strength: Strong core muscles support the lower back, reducing the strain caused by heels.
What to Do: Persistent back pain might require a combination of physical therapy and a revised footwear strategy to ensure proper back health.
Variations in Your Toenails: Fashion’s Footprint
Wearing high heels frequently can lead to toenail issues, such as fungal infections or ingrown toenails, due to constant pressure on the toes.
Prevention Tips:
Proper Nail Care: Regular trimming and care can prevent many toenail problems.
Breathable Materials: Choose shoes made from materials that allow your feet to breathe to prevent moisture buildup that can lead to infections.
What to Do: Consult a podiatrist if you experience persistent toenail pain or signs of infection. Early treatment is essential to prevent more severe complications.
Sounds scary, right? Don’t worry, you probably don’t need to bid farewell to your favourite shoes just yet. There are many small precautions that can be taken to prevent your feet from being fashion victims!
Foot Care Specialist Tips For High Heels And Foot Health:
1# Use Silicone Inserts…
We are used to seeing them in every shop and they’re extremely cheap for the incredible versatility they have. Silicone inserts make sure that your feet are steady, redistributing your weight through the whole shoe and alleviating the pressure on certain parts of the foot. This will work as a cushion and support.
2# Have Your Foot Examined Before!
Seeing a foot care specialist every once in a while is incredibly helpful. We can’t stress that enough. Before deciding to sport some bedazzling heels you might want to have your feet checked in case you have pre-existing conditions, or even just to see if you are buying the correct size for your shoes.
3# You Shouldn’t Wear Them Too Often…
Everything is good in moderation and we truly understand that you look fabulous in your designer stiletto heels. But maybe wearing them on a daily basis for hours at a time might just not be worth the risk. If you’re planning on going out with your friends, consider bringing some flat, comfy and chic shoes so that you can give your feet some rest in between dances.
4# Consider Buying A Size Bigger…
This is actually one of the Royals’ secrets, shared by many other celebrities: if you have a big party planned ahead and you know you could be spending hours on your heels, make sure you buy them a size bigger. This will help prevent any swelling and will provide you more comfort. Just make sure to use the appropriate silicone inserts to avoid slipping!
5# Platform Shoes Are Your Friends…
If you’re wearing heels to gain some height you might want to consider buying wedges or platform shoes. Thanks to the way they’re designed, they help redistribute the weight on your feet, resulting in more comfortable shoes.
Get Your Feet High Heel Ready…
If you feel your feet aren’t as content with your new stilettos as you are, make an appointment to see our foot care specialists. They can help you diagnose and treat any kind of issues before it’s too late. Just give us a call on 01606 45077 or book an appointment through our online system.
We are located in Northwich, Cheshire.
