Four Reasons to Reconsider Your High Heels
We’re headed into the holiday season, and, for many women, this means high heels. You might like the way they look, but they are notorious contributors to several foot health problems. Like most podiatrists, Dr. Stavros O. Alexopoulos recommends you limit your time in those stilettos or, better yet, retire them entirely. Here’s why:
Bunions and hammertoes: Those pointy toe boxes squeeze the bones of your feet into a small space, forcing them into unnatural shapes. Over an extended period, this can lead to deformities.
Tendinitis: When you’re up on the ball of your foot all day long, the Achilles tendon doesn’t have an opportunity to extend properly. If this situation occurs often, inflammation and tendinitis can result.
Foot and ankle injuries: Walking in high heels in less steady than in another footwear. It’s even worse in the Chicago winter, when sidewalks might be icy. It’s easy to slip and fall, leading to a fracture of one of the delicate bones of the foot or an ankle sprain. These injuries can leave you on crutches for weeks or even months.
Plantar fasciitis: Just like those high heel shoes are hard on the bones, muscles, and tendons of your feet, they stress other soft tissue structures as well. This includes the plantar fascia, a thick, ropy band of soft tissue that spans the sole of your foot from heel to toe. When it becomes chronically inflamed, plantar fasciitis occurs. Report any heel pain to your podiatrist, especially if you notice it occurring first thing in the morning. Early intervention is critical, possibly with custom orthotics for enhanced cushioning and support.
Consider swapping your high heels for something more sensible, especially for everyday use. The best shoes are made of leather or breathable fabric and offer a wide, roomy toe box and low, chunky heel. Choose a lug sole for extra stability and opt for shoes with laces, which will be snugger on your feet than loafers. Remember that shoe size changes throughout our lives. If it’s been more than a year since your feet were last measured, head to a brick-and-mortar store for you next pair of shoes and ask for assistance making sure you’re buying the right size.
Do you have a concern about the health and wellness of your feet, ankles, or lower legs? Call the friendly My Chicago Foot Expert staff at (773) 561-8100 or click here to schedule an appointment with Cook County podiatrist Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM in our modern, comfortable Ravenswood office today.
