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By Sam Fowler, PMAC
August 31, 2011
Category: Uncategorized
Tags: Shoes   Tendons   Injuries   Deformities   Nerves  

I am VERY excited for tomorrow - Thursday nights are one of my favorite’s nights of the week! No- not just because it’s right before Friday, but because Project Runway is on!  Each week the designers are faced with a new challenge and must create stunning clothing to meet the needs of that particular challenge.  Regardless of the week’s challenge, one thing always remains the same: high heeled shoes! Stilettos are the shoe of choice for the designers finishing off their winning looks.

This rule almost always applies except for last week’s challenge.  Producer and hostess, Heidi Klum has a New Balance line which includes tennis shoes- YES, one of the healthiest shoes on Earth!  For last week’s challenge, the designers had to create 3 fabulous looks to go with Heidi’s tennis shoes.  As an office manager of a podiatry practice, you can imagine how glad I was to see top-of-the line fashion models modeling sensible shoes for Heidi Klum, Michael Kors and Nina Garcia. 

Heels are not good for your feet or body!!  1 inch heels can increase the pressure on your feet by 22%, 2 inches can add up to 57%, and 3 inches can add a whopping 76% of pressure. That pressure means toes are crammed into a tight area, and long term results can lead to very painful bunionsor hammertoes.

The price of fashion!
Most women believe a stylish pair of heels can make you look taller, flatter your appearance, and create a stunning silhouette.  But heels may create more harm for a woman’s feet than they’re worth. 

  • Achilles tendinitis can be caused by heels.  Heels shorten and tighten calf muscles which lead to painful inflammation of the Achilles tendon at the back of your heel.
  • Ankle sprains are common because the narrow heel width can make ankles unstable (many celebs have illustrated this point stunningly such as Lady Gaga falling in 10 inch heels).
  • Neuromas, or benigntumors of nerves, can grow between cramped toes. Symptoms may include sharp pain and tingling or numbness of the toes.
  • Blisters, corns or calluses can develop because heels disperse your pressure unevenly and your ball of foot is bearing more than its share of weight.
  • Lower back pain is another side effect of wearing heels.  Heels force your body to bend forward and your spine bends backwards to compensate. 
  •  “Pump bump,” or Hagland’s deformity, is caused by wearing high heels often.

No pain no gain…I don’t think so!
Fashion does not have to be painful.  Ladies- if you just can’t bear to give up your favorite accessory, make a few simple adjustments. Fashion and comfort CAN blend well together if you take the appropriate steps.

  • Avoid backless heels because they create muscle strain.
  • Save your high heels for special occasions.  Your high heels will make even more of a fashion statement if you save them for special occasions versus wearing them daily. 
  • Wear tennis shoes when walking distances.  Bring your heels to change into once you get to where you’re going. 
  • Take smaller steps in high heels. Try to avoid platform shoes that have eliminated the heel completely.
  • Sport shorter wider heelsto give you more stability, better shock absorption and greater comfort.
  • Ice your feet for 10 minutesafter you get home from wearing your heels.

Lastly, if you suffer foot or ankle pain, make an appointment to see Dr. Melissa Lockwood.  With Saturday and evening appointments, you have time for the doctor without missing any fabulous fashion sales!  Try to eliminate high heels in your shoe wardrobe, or make some changes to make your heels more comfy and safe.  In the words of the admirable Tim Gunn- MAKE IT WORK!

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