Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York is a very exciting time to see new season trends. During this week is not unusual to constantly see high-heels around the city. High Heels are a major way to make a statement in the fashion world since they come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. With that being said, heels can also cause a lot of trouble for the feet. Topical BioMedics, Inc. has come up with some tips to avoid the pain created by wearing heels for fashion week.

Making sure shoes fit well, choosing a chunky heel rather than a stiletto, and elevating your legs for a few minutes to reduce swelling and promote circulation are just a few ways you can do your feet a favor. Lou Paradise, president and chief of research at Topical BioMedics states, “Women love wearing heels, but the resulting pain is not glamorous… Squeezing feet while thrusting toes forward can lead to such problems as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, sprained and swollen ankles, blisters, aching feet, hammertoes, corns and calluses, lower back pain, and knee strain, as well as other painful conditions.”

Despite being very fashionable, high heels can have a detrimental effect on the feet. To learn more, see Dr. Moshe Hillel of Advanced Footcare NY. Dr. Hillel will answer all of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because they are associated with femininity.  Despite their appeal, they can cause many health problems if worn too frequently.
What parts my body will be affected by high heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – may shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – they decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  Also, the vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What kinds of foot problems can develop from wearing high heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How can I still wear high heels and maintain foot health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Brooklyn, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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