Menu

Fashion & Foot Pain: High Heels

Did you know that the average woman owns 9 pairs of High Heels? Yet, when it comes to shoes, high heels are the #1 culprit of foot pain!

Celebrities, such as Sarah Jessica Parker, have even spoken out about the pain and long term foot problems suffered from a lifetime of wearing high heels. Most women admit high heels make their feet hurt, but they tolerate the discomfort in order to look taller, stylish, and more professional.

So What's the Problem?

High-heeled, pointed-toe shoes can cause numerous orthopedic problems, leading to discomfort or injury to the toes, ankles, knees, calves, and back. Many high-heeled-shoes also have a pointed, narrow toe box that crowds the toes and forces them into an unnatural triangular shape. These shoes distribute the body's weight unevenly, placing excess stress on the ball of the foot and on the forefoot. This uneven distribution of weight, coupled with the narrow toe box characteristic of most high heels, can lead to discomfort, bunions, hammertoes, and other deformities.

The height of the heel makes a dramatic difference in the pressure that occurs on the bottom of the foot. As heel height increases, the pressure under the ball of the foot may double, placing greater pressure on the forefoot as it is forced into the pointed toe box. High heels may also contribute to knee and back problems, disabling injuries in falls, shortened calf muscles, and an awkward, unnatural gait.

What Can I Do?

To relieve the abusive effects of high heels, women should limit the amount of time they wear them and alternate these shoes with good quality sneakers or flats for part of the day. Consider wearing alternative shoes to and from work, and change into the heels only at work. Look for comfortable and attractive walking pumps for work and social activities, that blend fashion appeal with athletic shoe-derived construction, reinforced heels, and wider toe room for greater comfort. Low-heeled shoes (one inch or lower) with a wide toe box are the ideal choice for women. An ample toe box that can accommodate the front part of the foot is as important as the heel in determining fit.

If you are experiencing ongoing foot pain, consider contacting Our Office to make an appointment and get the proper treatment to eliminate your discomfort. 

 

Contact Us

Our Location

Office Hours

Monday:

8:30 am-4:30 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-4:30 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-4:30 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-4:30 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-12:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed