High heels have been a fashion staple for years, with their ability to make anyone’s legs look longer and more slender. However, with the allure of high heels comes the dreaded pain that usually accompanies wearing them for any length of time. It’s not uncommon for women to suffer through foot pain, blisters, and aching backs just to look fabulous. But is that really the only way to wear heels? The answer is no! With a few tips and tricks, you can learn how to wear heels every day without pain.
Choosing the Right Heel
One of the easiest ways to reduce foot pain when wearing heels is to choose the right type of heels. Look for shoes with a wider heel base, as these offer more stability and are easier to walk in. Also, opt for heels that are two inches or less – the higher the heel, the more pressure it puts on your feet. If you simply can’t do without the extra height, look for platforms that offer the same height without excessive heel height.
Ensure a Proper Fit
To all shoe lovers out there, we understand the temptation to buy the cutest shoes, even if they don’t fit great. But when it comes to heels, fit is king, and the wrong size or improper fit will ruin your feet and your style. When buying new heels, it’s important to look for shoes that fit snugly without being too tight. Choose shoes that have enough room for your toes and ensure your heel doesn’t slip out of the back of the shoe. Your arch should fit comfortably on the shoe base as this will help reduce heel pain.
Stretching and Exercising
Stretching your feet before putting on your shoes can help to increase circulation, reduce inflammation and prepare your foot for the day ahead. Try stretching your foot by placing your toes on a step, leaving your heel hanging off the edge of the stair. Gently lower your heel down, holding the position for a few seconds before relaxing. Next, switch it up and rest the ball of your foot on the stair next, lifting your heel and repeating the steps. A few minutes of stretching every day will reduce pain and help you to walk more confidently in your heels.
Pick the Right Surface
When walking in heels, the surface of the ground matters! While soft surfaces such as grass and carpets can be difficult to walk on (especially with thin heels), hard surfaces like tile and concrete can be very thin and cause shock in your feet, leading to heel pain. Try to walk on surfaces that are flat and even if possible.
Padding and Band-aids
If your heels are slightly too tight or rubbing against your foot, moleskin pads work wonders to reduce the friction and offer additional padding for your foot. Apply the pads to the parts of your shoe that are painful, and your feet will thank you. Not only that, but band-aids can help to reduce the discomfort and prevent new blisters from forming.
Take Breaks
While wearing heels every day is great, it’s important to recognize the times when your feet need a break. Allow your feet some time to rest and recover by taking your shoes off and walking around barefoot or in flats. Additionally, when you have a break in your busy day, try laying down on your back and resting your legs up the wall for a few minutes to help circulation.
Conclusion
We hope these tips for wearing heels every day without pain have helped. While high heels are lovely to look at and wear, they can often come with significant discomfort. But by choosing the right heel, ensuring proper fit, stretching and exercising, picking the right surface, padding and band-aids, and taking breaks, you can reduce or avoid the pain altogether. Leave us a comment to let us know your tricks for wearing heels every day!
FAQ
Why do I have pain in my heels everyday?
Pain in the heels can be a common complaint among people of all ages and can vary from a dull ache to an unbearable stabbing pain. The pain is usually located under the heel bone or just behind it. The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis which affects four out of five cases. Plantar fasciitis is a condition where the thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone with the rest of the foot, known as the plantar fascia, becomes damaged and thickened.
The plantar fascia is designed to support the arch of our feet. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, it causes pain, swelling, and tenderness in the heel area. The pain is usually severe when you take your first steps in the morning or following a period of rest. The pain may ease with activity, but it is possible to experience excruciating pain after prolonged activity.
Plantar fasciitis is often caused by repetitive strain to the heel’s sole. This constant strain can cause tiny tears in the plantar fascia’s tissue, and the body tries to repair the tears with scar tissue growth. As the scar tissue grows, it can cause the heel’s fascia to thicken and become stiff, causing pain and discomfort.
Other factors that can contribute to heel pain include obesity, aging, diabetes, poor footwear, and foot anatomy. Poor footwear is a significant cause of heel pain since it does not provide adequate arch support and cushioning. This can put pressure on the plantar fascia, causing it to become damaged and inflamed.
If you experience persistent heel pain, it is essential to seek medical advice. The doctor can diagnose the cause of your pain through a physical examination and imaging tests such as X-rays or an MRI. The treatment offered will depend on the underlying cause of your heel pain. In the case of plantar fasciitis, treatment usually involves rest, ice packs, stretching, pain relief medication, and physical therapy. In severe cases, steroid injections or surgery may be necessary.
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, but there are other factors that can contribute to this condition. Therefore, it is essential to seek medical attention if you experience persistent heel pain to determine the underlying cause, receive proper diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.
When should I be concerned about heel pain?
Heel pain is a common problem that affects people of all ages. It can be caused by a number of conditions, including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, heel spurs, stress fractures, and more. While many cases of heel pain can be treated with rest, ice, stretching, and over-the-counter pain medication, there are times when heel pain can be a sign of a more serious condition.
If you experience severe heel pain immediately after an injury, it is important to see a healthcare provider right away. This type of pain can be a sign of a broken bone, torn ligament, or other serious injury that requires immediate medical attention.
Similarly, if you experience severe pain and swelling near the heel, it is important to seek medical attention. This type of pain can be a sign of an infection, a tumor, or other serious condition that requires prompt treatment.
In addition to severe pain and swelling, there are other symptoms that may indicate a more serious condition. If you are unable to bend your foot downward, rise on your toes, or walk as usual, it is important to see a healthcare provider. These symptoms can be a sign of a ruptured Achilles tendon, a condition that can lead to long-term disability if left untreated.
It is also important to seek medical attention if your heel pain lasts for more than a few weeks or if it gets worse over time. Chronic heel pain can be a sign of an underlying condition that requires specialized treatment, such as plantar fasciitis or heel spurs.
If you are experiencing heel pain, it is important to pay attention to your symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary. While many cases of heel pain can be treated with rest and conservative measures, there are times when heel pain can be a sign of a more serious condition. By seeking medical attention when necessary, you can ensure that you receive the appropriate treatment for your condition and prevent long-term complications.
Is heel pain related to heart?
Heel pain may not necessarily be related to heart issues, but it can serve as an indicator of underlying cardiovascular problems. There are a variety of conditions that can cause heel pain, such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, or fractures. However, it is important to pay attention to other accompanying symptoms that may suggest a more serious medical condition.
Poor circulation can result from heart-related issues, and this can cause foot pain and swelling. If the heart is not functioning properly, it may not be able to pump sufficient blood to different parts of the body, raising the risk of blood clots or peripheral artery disease (PAD). These conditions can cause reduced blood flow to the feet, resulting in pain and discomfort. Additionally, high blood pressure can place excess pressure on the heart, leading to heart disease and circulation problems.
In some cases, foot pain may reflect problems with other organs in the body that are connected to the circulatory system, such as the kidneys. Burning or swelling in the feet may point to kidney, heart, or circulatory problems. Non-healing ulcers or open sores on the feet may also indicate anemia, blood disorders, or vascular disease.
If an individual experiences persistent and severe heel pain accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue, they should seek immediate medical attention. This may indicate a heart attack or another serious cardiovascular condition that requires prompt treatment.
Although heel pain may not always be directly linked to heart issues, it can serve as an important indicator of underlying circulation problems or other medical conditions. Anyone experiencing persistent and severe heel pain with other concerning symptoms should seek medical advice to rule out serious complications.