High heels are a notoriously uncomfortable form of footwear. And the foot pain they cause isn’t always passing. Wearing high-heeled shoes can cause issues from toe deformities to back pain.
If you do run into problems because of your heels, we can help. Whether you sprain your ankle or get an ingrown toenail, Christopher Vittori, DPM, and Ameet Thakrar, DPM, provide treatment to soothe the discomfort and help you heal. Visit us at either Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist office — located in Homer Glen and New Lenox, Illinois — to get the foot care you need.
Ideally, though, you should avoid podiatric problems. Steering clear of high heels or choosing to only wear them sparingly goes a long way. Let’s take a closer look at why.
When you wear a high heel, it forces your foot into a flexed position and puts more weight on the ball of your foot. This can compress the nerves in the ball of your foot, contributing to issues like Morton’s neuroma.
High heels also put extra strain on your plantar fascia, the thick band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot. If you feel a stabbing pain in your heel when you first get out of bed, you probably have plantar fasciitis, or inflammation of that tissue.
The added pressure on your toes also takes a toll. High heels increase your risk for toe deformities like bunions and hammertoe. Because high heels direct more of your weight to your toes, causing them to press into your shoes, they can contribute to ingrown nails, too. That’s particularly true if the shoe is tight or has a narrow toe box.
Plus, high heels put you at a higher risk of injury because they make it easier to roll your ankle.
All told, high heels are bad for your feet. And that’s not to mention the way they can strain your back.
Flat shoes help your feet function their best. If you want to differentiate your footwear, a flat platform gives you a good alternative.
If you really love the look of high heels, make a plan to wear them in moderation. Maybe skip them for a lunch outing, for example, so you can wear them for an important meeting or a fancy dinner.
When you choose high heels, look for pairs that have:
All of these help to protect your feet and ankles as you move.
Whether you’ve already encountered foot or ankle pain from high heels or you want guidance to help you minimize the risk of this kind of footwear, we’re here to help. Call our team at Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist, or schedule an appointment online today.
