What you slip on your feet could age your body. How to walk tall without the pain
by christine cho
It’s no secret that we love our high heels. We’re faithful stiletto lovers and we can’t resist the draw of leg-lengthening, outfit-completing pain machines. High heels undoubtedly make many of us feel confident and look stylish; however, the hazards to our health aren’t so pretty. According to Glenn Paul Uy II, Doctor of Chiropractic and founder of Dancefeet custom orthotics, three of the most common foot problems associated with poorly fitted high-heeled shoes are:
– Neuromas (areas of burning sensation in the toes)
– Bunions (swelling, pain on the base of the big toe)
– Hammer toes (bunching of the toes)
Additionally, when we wear high heels, we increase the risk of developing a forward pelvic tilt or a compensatory hump or hunch at the top of our backs. Over time, feet that aren’t cared for tend to look worn and aged; however, there are things we can do to prevent and treat both the health and beauty damage wearing high heels can cause:
– Ensure your shoes fit properly: they should not squeeze your
feet or cause discomfort or pain, so make sure to choose the
correct shoe size
– Reduce the amount of time you wear heels and keep an extra pair of flats or low-heeled shoes handy to switch at some point in your day to give your feet and body a break
– Reduce the height of your heels
– Perform regular calf and foot stretches
– Ensure your foot has proper alignment and support, so look for custom orthotics made specifically for high heels
Remember – neglecting feet at any age can cause serious health concerns and can prematurely age the skin in look and feel. Young feet are smooth, soft, and healthy. We can all take at least a few small steps (albeit in our pretty heels) toward happy, healthy feet!
Aging by the decade
20’s Your feet will not be young forever, so don’t take them for granted! Show them love with regular moisturizer day and night. Learn to love other shoe styles, such as cute ballerina flats, low kitten heels, flat slouchy boots and low wedge over-the-knee boots – high heels are sexy for a night out, yet be creative with your fashion!
30’s Get regular pedicures to remove dead skin and promote circulation. Continue the spa treatment at home in the shower with a weekly pumice/foot file and scrub ritual.
40’s Massage your feet and legs regularly to stimulate blood flow, especially after a long day on your feet. Make sure to use a rich foot cream, particularly at night before bed (for extra moisture-locking, put on socks right after you apply cream).
