Many people enjoy wearing stylish high heels on special occasions. While this practice usually won’t cause foot problems, wearing heels on a more regular basis might. If you typically wear these shoes to work, learn more about some harmful effects you may experience and how to protect your feet.

How Do High Heels Impact Your Feet?

Since high heels force your feet into unnatural positions, wearing them too frequently can cause blisters and exacerbate existing ingrown toenails, bunions, corns, and hammertoes. These shoes also increase your risk of arthritis in the feet and knees, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendinopathies.

Additionally, because heels put your feet at an angle, they can pull joints and muscles out of alignment, so your body isn’t centered from head to toe. That means high heels can cause pain in your calves, knees, hips, and back.

How Can You Protect Your Feet?

To prevent these problems, avoid heels with narrow toe boxes that'll squeeze the toes and increase the risk of pain. Also, prioritize thicker heels, as they receive your weight more evenly instead of putting pressure on one spot.

You should also stretch your plantar fascia and calves frequently. To do so, place a book on the floor and put the ball of one foot on the book while resting the heel on the floor. Next, attempt to grab your toes on the book by bending forward at your waist and knees if necessary. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds, switch to your other foot, and repeat two or three times. Do this before and after wearing heels for more than an hour, and increase the book thickness over time.

If you’re experiencing foot problems related to your high heels, contact Westside Podiatry Group. Based in Rochester, NY, these trusted podiatrists treat a wide variety of foot problems, including plantar fasciitis, arthritis, bunions, corns, and hammertoes. With over 50 years of experience, they’ll get to the bottom of your foot pain and help you stay comfortable in heels. Learn more about their services online, and call (585) 225-2290 to schedule an appointment.