| It's ok to wear high heels. In fact, shoes with at | | | | the foot on the shoe and the potential for a fall is |
| least an inch heel are recommended for individuals | | | | much greater. |
| with flatfeet, tight calves and arch pain. But, once | | | | Make sure the foot fits well in the heel area. In |
| the height of the heel exceeds 1.5", the amount | | | | high heels, the foot will slide forward. The greater |
| of force transferred to the ball of the foot | | | | the heel height, the greater chance for the foot |
| increases substantially. Common problems that | | | | to slide forward. A shoe with a more narrow heel |
| develop or are aggravated as a result of long | | | | will offer a better fit at the heel. This adds |
| term wear of high heels include bunions, | | | | stability and helps to prevent the foot from sliding |
| hammertoes, calf contraction (which can lead to | | | | forward. |
| Achilles tendonitis) and ball of foot pain, including | | | | Avoid high heeled shoes with a steep slope. Some |
| metatarsalgia, sesamoiditis and neuromas. To help | | | | high heels have a sharp drop from the heel to the |
| avoid or minimize these problems, follow these | | | | toe area. The steeper this slope, the less contact |
| simple steps: | | | | with the arch and the less stability and support. |
| For everyday wear, stick with 1-1.5 inch heels. | | | | The more gradual the slope, the better the fit. |
| Save the 3" and higher heels for occasional | | | | Massage your foot after a day or evening in high |
| dinners and events. | | | | heels. For arch pain, roll your foot over a frozen |
| Don't wear the same heels every day. Rotate | | | | sports water bottle. |
| your shoes, wearing different styles and different | | | | Stretch both your foot and your calf after |
| heel heights each day. | | | | wearing high heels. To stretch the arch, rest your |
| Choose a wider heel with higher heels. A wider, | | | | foot on the opposite knee and pull the toes back. |
| thicker heel will add stability to the shoe and help | | | | Wear low heeled shoes around the house. Change |
| maintain balance. | | | | shoes when you arrive home and spend the |
| For high heels, choose shoes with thicker straps. | | | | evening without heels on. This will allow your foot |
| Although strappy high heels may go well with a | | | | to adapt to the flat surface and help keep your |
| certain outfits, the less material on the shoe, the | | | | calf stretched out.. |
| less support you will have which can lead to | | | | Try insoles in your high heels. Research has |
| problems with balance. | | | | shown that shoe inserts designed for high heeled |
| Make sure the shoe fits well. If you have to | | | | shoes improve comfort and decrease force and |
| over-tighten a strap because your foot is sliding | | | | pressure on the ball of the foot. |
| out of the shoe, then the shoes are too big. If | | | | Use metatarsal pads under the ball of the foot. |
| your toes are cramped in the shoe before | | | | Place a thin pad in the shoe, at the area under the |
| standing and walking, the shoes are too small. | | | | ball of the foot to add cushion and shock |
| Choose high heeled sandals with back straps. High | | | | absorption. |
| heeled sandals without a back strap are a recipe | | | | Don't ignore foot problems. If foot pain starts to |
| for disaster. There is very little material to hold | | | | develop, seek medical attention immediately. |