Issue Date: May 10, 2009
Keep feet happy in heels
You can be stylin' and smilin'.
Given that high heels have been around since ancient Egypt and are going to be part of our society for the foreseeable future, here's some advice to keep your feet feeling happy. These five tips come from the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society:
Height matters. A 2-inch heel is less problematic than a 4-inch heel. (Shoes with a thinner heel will give you the appearance of being taller than a chunky heel will.)
Time matters. Try to limit wearing high heels to functions where you won't be on your feet for extended periods. Going to a sit-down dinner? Perfect. Planning a night on the town dancing? Leave the heels at home.
Shape matters. A shoe specialist often can stretch a shoe at the toe box to make more room for your toes.
Size matters. Select a larger size shoe than you normally wear in a flat, then use inserts to help fit the shoe to your foot. This will give your foot more space for movement.
Style matters. Open-toe shoes provide more wiggle room for your toes, so this style can be more comfortable than others.
Tedd Mitchell, M.D., president and CEO of Dallas' Cooper Clinic, writes HealthSmart every week.
|
