Are Your Shoes Torturing Your Feet?

If you are like me, you love wearing high heels. The weekend is my time to rock my favorite heels, and I feel that a great outfit is not complete without the perfect pair of shoes. However, what are our heels really doing to our feet? Podiatrists believe there seems to be a "shoe-icide" going on. WebMD gave me the "scoop" on our shoes.

Heels seem to be getting higher and higher. I think us women have that one pair of shoes that are amazing to look at it, but brutal to walk in. Sky-high heels cause painful knots on the back of the heel; this "pump bump" can lead to blisters, swelling, and painful pressure.

High heels also force the foot into an unnatural foot position. Obviously we do not walk on the balls of our feet when we aren't in heels. Chronic stress to the foot can lead to hairline fractures. Also, stilettos make us more likely to trip and sprain our ankles. If you want to discontinue wearing stilettos but still won't give up the heels, switch to a chunkier heel that gives your foot more support.

On the other hand, extremely flat shoes like ballet flats aren't so good for the food either. Ballet flats offer no support or protection for the feet. Poor arch support is also associated with a painful foot condition called plantar fasciitis. Try slipping a Dr. Scholls or other orthopedic insert into your ballet flats.

If you really want to take care of your feet for the long haul, always measure them before you buy new shoes and try to accommodate your feet more. I don't think I'll ever give up wearing high heels, even if they are a bit uncomfortable, but I can find ways to make my feet feel more comfortable in them. The three best high heel inserts are Foot Petals, Insolia, and Dr. Scholl's.

Let's keep our feet happy!