Heels can make you taller, add some glamour to your style or might just be the thing to wear in summertime. No matter how “in” they are or the confidence boost they give you, heels can cause serious damage to your feet. Morton’s neuroma, pump bump, bunions, and hammertoes to name a few symptoms from wearing heels on a regular basis. So the next time you decide to wear slingback heels to the office or platforms on a night out, here are some ways you can prevent the feet pain.
Sole Protection
Heel shoe pain can be unavoidable, but there are some products to use to better protect and comfort your feet. First, make sure that the shoes you purchase do properly fit your feet. If your feet easily slide around in the shoe and aren’t snug without being too tight, then you are wearing the wrong size or shape of heel for your feet. The slop of the shoe can also have an effect on your feet’s comfort. Straight slopes tend to be harsher on the feet than gradual. Also opt for open-toe in place of closed-toe heels. These can reduce the chance of corns, calluses, and blisters.
In the case of shoe comfort, a thicker cushion and heel is always better. Stay away from strappy and skinny stilettos also you plan to sit down a lot while wearing them. Especially on the balls of your feet, extra cushion inserts can change how you feel about wearing your heels. For balance, try thicker heels such as wedges. The pressure from your weight is better distributed so that there is less pressure on your heel and arch.
If you need fast and instant relief, keep some band aids on hand or a balm stick to help reduce blisters where the heel hugs your foot.
Good Stretching
It might sound weird that a good stretching before putting on heels can help. After all, unless you’re about to go do a Walk in Her Shoes 5k run/walk, you may see no need for it. Runners will often do this stretch to target the heel, but it’s not just great for stretching the foot, but the lower leg as well. This stretch will release any tension and stress from the plantar fascia or also referred to as the bottom arch. Here’s how:
- Line up your feet with one directly in front of the other and both heels flat on the ground.
- Gently lower both knees into a slight bend.
- Hold this position for about 15 seconds, straighten legs and repeat at least two to three more times.
- Switch order of feet and repeat.
Another great and simple stretch is rolling an item under feet to stretch the bottom arch. Place a rolling pin, tennis ball, or similar item under the foot and roll the item back and forth. For instant relief, put a water bottle in the freezer to be used later in the day.
With age, taking care of your feet becomes even more important. Feet can become wider and longer as the ligaments are loosened so proper stretching of the bottom arch becomes important regardless of heel use. By taking these steps to purchasing a better heel and stretching your feet, you will find a considerable difference in how your feet feel the next day. Even if you take these steps to reducing heel pain and yet you are continuously in pain, consult in a PMIR physician for their insight on the matter. High heels maybe in fashion, but is the pain really worth it?
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