They say that you should keep your heels, head, and standards high, but the thing is that one of them can do you no good. When we put on our favorite pair of Manolo’s, we feel sexier, more confident, and more powerful in them, but the scary fact is that wearing them too often will lead to foot problems, many of which are painful, and sometimes even hard to treat.
Health Problems
High heels can cause long-term issues because your toes are constantly in a bent position. They can cause some smaller problems, like ingrown toenails, but can also lead to more serious ones such as leg tendons. If you wear slim shoes that make your toes cram, it might lead to nerve damage and even cause bunions to appear on your feet.
But it is not just about the problems with fingers and leg muscles; it affects your whole body, especially your spine, and causes serious lower back pain.
When in heels, your toes are in unnatural shape, as your fingers slide down in an inconvenient position, so the weight of your body does not distribute evenly to your feet.
Your whole body tilts forward, causing your back to overstretch, which might eventually lead to sciatica, a feeling of numbness through the whole body.
Lasting Pain
When you feel pain in high heels, it is not just because your feet got tired; and sometimes, it will not go away so quickly. At one point, even after you go to bed on Saturday night, you might wake up on Sunday with the same pain you went to sleep with. That is because your muscles have shortened over time, and it leads to spasms, or maybe even shortening of the Achilles tendon, as it tightens up after being in an upwards position for a longer period of time.
Even if you switch to flats, it will not help you. In these cases, you will need to turn to a specialist in podiatry to help you cure the problem while it is still not too late. Depending on the seriousness of the problem, you might get foot crèmes, massages, or even have surgery.
What to Do?
But all of this does not mean you should store your heels in the back of the closet, just that you will have to make a few adjustments.
Wear shorter ones that are also wider, as they provide better support, but also balance and minimal or no pain at all. Also, never buy shoes that do not fit you.
Women tend to fall in love with a shoe and get them even if they are a bit smaller or bigger than the size they are supposed to wear. If they are too wide, your foot will slide forward and put unnecessary pressure on your toes, and if they are too tight, the feeling of pain might appear as soon as you put them on and try to make that first step.
And finally, if you think that you will be walking for a longer period of time on a particular day, go with something more comfortable. Heels are definitely not designed for long distances, so always choose a lovely pair of flat Mary Janes over them.
Do not let your love for a pair of shoes tricks you into wearing them every day and on every occasion. Beauty over practicality is a mantra for most women, but health should trump style every time.