Tips for High Heel Related Foot Pain
Every day, millions of women wearing high heels walk, jump and even run to their office. High heels were not certainly designed for these purposes. Performing these activities while wearing high heels is a sure recipe for foot injury. Never the less, women continue to wear high heels.
Functionality was certainly not a high priority in the design of high heels. These were made to answer the discriminating taste of women wanting to make a fashion statement. It is a must-have weapon in a woman’s wardrobe arsenal. So asking women to drop those high heels for running shoes is certainly out of the question.
Avoiding foot injuries due to wearing high heels can be reduced by practicing foot injury prevention tips. If pain and discomfort remains even after resting your feet a visit to your podiatrist is advised.
Massage your feet regularly
If you’re an avid high heel wearer or use high heels for work extensively, giving your feet regular massages can go a long way in preventing foot injuries. Massages increase blood flow to tired and aching muscles and joints. It also stimulates the production of natural lubricants to keep joints moving freely. More blood flow means more nutrients needed for repairs.
Shift Your Center of Gravity
Wearing high heels can change our center of gravity or how we carry our body weight. Generally, weight is shifted forward placing extra pressure on the toes. Learn to shift your center of gravity backwards and away from the toes. Performing box squats helps train you shift your weight backwards.
Keep your toes and ankles flexible
Wearing high heels can have a negative impact on your toes and ankles. Foot injuries associated with high heels occur in these areas. The toes and ankles are subject to high stress levels because high heels place these foot structures at an abnormal position. The feet were designed to provide support for our body. Wearing high heels interfere with how weight is normally distributed.
High heels shifts our weight towards the toe areas. Performing toe exercises at the end of a long day wearing high heels keeps our toes flexible. Ankle strengthening exercises is also recommended to help the ankles compensate for the additional stress of wearing high heels.
The easiest way to avoid foot injury from wearing high heels is to give your feet a few minutes break.
Contact James C. Ricketti, DPM and let us address all your foot and ankle needs. Our board-certified podiatrist will tailor treatments based on your individual needs and with our state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment options, we’ll help you get back on your feet in no time! Call our office today at 609-587-1674 to make an appointment at our conveniently located Hamilton, NJ office.