High Style Can Hurt You

Did you know that high heels were worn by soldiers and by wealthy men centuries ago? Today, however, high heels are undeniably feminine and for many women they are an essential finishing touch for an evening out or an important day at work. But foot experts say high heels can cause foot, back, and knee injuries and women should balance style with comfort when wearing them.

“As a woman who loves shoes, I wear heels, but I do so in moderation,” says Jennifer Krulicki, a Canadian certified pedorthist. “I always take into account my own personal mechanics and foot type as well as how long I will be wearing them.”

High heels cause injuries because they force your weight onto the ball of your foot, a part of your foot that is not designed to bear your full weight for prolonged periods of time. Additionally, the height of the heel shortens the calf muscles causing you to use other muscles and compensate at the knee, hip, pelvis and lower back, to stop you from falling forward. The higher the heel the greater the risk of injury as the more your body has to compensate.

When it comes to high heels, certified pedorthists recommend the 80/20 rule: wear comfortable, proper fitting, supportive shoes 80 percent of the time and your favorite heels 20 percent of the time. They also recommend carefully selecting heels that match your personal foot shape with a height of less than 2.5 centimetres and a wide base to increase the stability.

More high heel shopping tips can be found at www.pedorthic.ca.

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Canadian certified pedorthists offer these tips to help you balance your love of high heels with protecting your feet:

• Be selective – If you have a day of standing or extensive walking planned, leave your high heels at home.

• Platforms for better comfort – Heels with a platformed forefoot and incorporated toe spring are a good choice as they give a fashionable look, while providing cushioning to the ball of your foot.

• Make sure they fit – Only wear heels that fit perfectly. An improper fit may cause more pressure on your foot and lead to corns, bunions, blisters and nerve damage.

• Ask about a foot orthotic – A visit to a certified pedorthist will help you determine if a foot orthotic, custom made to fit your heels, will provide you with extra support and comfort.

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