High heels are definitely fashion forward when it comes to footwear. However, these shoes are not part of a good foot care regimen when worn consistently. The design of heels can lead to numerous foot issues, as well as cause a great deal of pain and discomfort. While you don't have to eliminate them from your wardrobe completely, here are a few smart steps to avoid issues. 

Problems That Wearing High Heels Can Cause

Frequent wearing of heels can cause or worsen a wide range of foot conditions. If the front of the shoe is too tight and restrictive, you have a greater risk of developing an ingrown toenail. Tight shoes can also cause blisters and bunions to form, which affects the appearance and function of your feet. Because you must maintain a certain posture while wearing these shoes, you could also cause the joints to wear down prematurely, which then leads to arthritis symptoms. 

High heels also come with a higher risk of ankle injuries. Sprains and strains of the ankle are quite common due to the lack of support. You may also experience an ankle fracture if you trip while wearing these shoes. 

How to Mitigate the Damage

If possible, try to limit how much you wear heels during the week in favor of comfortable shoes with lots of cushioning and space in the toe box. You should also establish a good foot care routine to stretch your legs and feet when you must wear high heels for work or on a special occasion. 

Book stretches are a great option to prevent foot pain and other issues from occurring. Take a book and place it on the ground in front of you. Remove your shoes and place the ball of the right foot on top of the book, so the heel is still on the ground. Bend over and try to touch your toes on your right foot and hold for 30 seconds. Move to the other foot and perform three repetitions. In addition to stretching before and after wearing heels, you can also take stretch breaks during the day for the maximum benefit. 

When you have foot care questions, Louise E. Tortora, DPM is happy to answer them. Along with providing tips and guidance for optimum foot health, this clinic also provides treatments for heel pain, bunions, ingrown toenails, and so much more. They're also equipped to treat acute injuries, so you can experience a fast and efficient recovery. Visit the website for the complete list of services, or call (203) 254-0093 to schedule an appointment in Fairfield, CT today.