High heels are torture items made by men for women because they make us look and feel good. We also like the way they make us feel tall, in charge, and sexy. High heeled or killer heels are seen as a career or sexy woman's weapons, but what damage are we doing to our feet?

Experts are concerned about the long term damage they are doing to our feet. Recent research indicates that up to third of women undergo unending problems as results of their prolonged wearing of killer heels. High heels can cause foot problems worsening foot problems that you already have. Leg and back pain also are common moaning from those who wear high heels.

Furthermore, high heeled shoes have been linked to many foot ailments like bunions, hammer toes, neuromas, metatarsalgia, Achilles tendonitis, ingrown toenails, and corns and calluses. Chronic knee pain and back pain can also be linked to high heeled shoes. Is this the price we have to pay to look good? What is a fashion conscious woman do to save her feet?

1. Buy shoes that fit, most women wear small size shoes- even smaller than their feet. Measure your feet every time you buy shoes. Remember that the number is just a suggestion, different brands can size completely differently.

2. It is wise to wait until the afternoon or at the end of the day to buy shoes. Swelling can cause a dramatic change in shoe size, so buy shoes in the afternoon or evening for a better fit.

3. Buy leather shoes, not synthetics. Leather is more forgiving, though more expensive.

4. Be wary of the pointy-toed, high heeled shoe! These are a double-trouble! Try to avoid the severe point and go for more of a taper or square toe box.

5. If you have bunions and hammertoes, a silicone protective sleeve can help your pain from rubbing in your shoes. Make sure your toe box is wide enough to accommodate the padding.

6. If you have two different sized feet (and most people do), shoe stretchers can be used to stretch the toe box if one foot is only a little bigger than the other. If you have significantly different sized feet, some stores and websites will sell you two different sized shoes.

7. Try to avoid very high heels. Your feet (and knees) will thank you if you adjust your heel height to lower than 3 inch heels.

8. Try to wear a consistent heel height. Varying your heel height up and down can actually irritate your Achilles tendon.

9. Thick heels are much more stable than stilettos. Try to wear a wider, more supportive heel or even convert to platforms!

10. Always have a pair of running shoes or casual shoes in the car or in your bag. You never know when you need to make a mad rush or get stuck running errands. Always have a pair of comfortable sneakers on hand for emergencies.

11. See your podiatrist if you have any pain that last more than five to seven days. We all have foot pain from time to time, but if you have persistent pain, numbness or burning for more than 5 to 7 days in the same spot; you probably have an injury. Simple solutions are available at your podiatrist if you seek help early. A delay in treatment can lead to needing surgery or worse. Cited: Disabled-world, 2011.

Women have been wearing high heeled shoes for decades, but there are a few things we can do to make our feet more comfortable if we are slaves to fashion. Hence it is recommended that you only wear high heels for special occasions and even then only a heel height of 1 1/2 inches. Your feet and body will thank you - and you'll save money on trips to the podiatrist's office.

Sources:

• Disabled-world
• Dailymail
• Foothealth

Page Created: 10 June 2011

by Zanele Matshotyana