How your favourite Christmas party shoes are damaging your health – and quick fixes to ease your agony
PARTY season is upon us.
That means Brits will be digging their best festive dresses out of their wardrobes and pairing them with their favourite pair of heels.
Teetering around in several inches of heels can make us feel tall and sexy, but they’re certainly not good for your feet.
In fact, your fabulous stilettos can cause long-lasting damage, according to private podiatrist Dina Gohil.
She said: “Wearing heels can contribute to the development of foot deformities such as bunions and hammertoes, where toes remain in a bent position.
“Also metatarsalgia, this condition involves pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot.”
High heels are not only destroying women’s feet but also the rest of their bodies.
“The constant elevation of the heel in high heels can lead to a shortening of the achilles tendon, reducing flexibility and increasing the risk of injury,” the expert said.
“The consistent altered posture caused by wearing heels can in some cases, contribute to lower back pain, as it affects the natural curvature of the spine,” she added.
How can you protect yourself?
The answer is fairly simple; wear different shoes.
But it doesn’t mean a lifetime in flat, supportive moccasins.
Ahead of your next Christmas party, try and find shoes with thicker heels, which can provide “better support and balance, distributing your weight more evenly,” Dina said.
“Choose heels with a lower height (ideally below two inches), such as knee-high black flat boots, to reduce the strain on your feet and lower legs,” she added.
Make sure your new party shoe has a round or square toe, which can provide more room for your toes, reducing the risk of developing issues like bunions or ingrown toenails.
“Also try looking for heels with cushioned insoles or consider adding gel inserts for extra comfort and shock absorption,” she said. “Preferably ones with straps or buckles to ensure a secure fit without excessive pressure on your feet.”
How can I look after my feet after wearing heels?
The reality is that after continuous wear of your favourite heel shoes, they can leave your body a bit sore – even if you’ve opted for a ‘healthier’ pair.
To combat the aches and pains, you should start with post-heel safe care as soon as you get through your front door, Dina said.
“Start by gently stretching your calf muscles and rolling your feet to relieve tension,” she explained.
You can stretch your calves by standing with your toes on the edge of a step or a box. Hold onto something stable for support from there, and drop your heels downwards.
And to massage your feet, roll the soul of your foot over a tennis ball.
She added: “Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated can prevent muscle cramps,” she added.
“Alternatively, soak your feet in warm water with Epsom salts to soothe sore muscles and improve circulation.”
If the aches and pains don’t subside, try taking some over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication to reduce the swelling, Dina suggested.