Many women feel like they have to choose between style and comfort when shopping for shoes. High heels may look fashionable, but they can cause serious issues. If you have painful or swollen feet after wearing heels, a foot specialist from Podiatry Associates of Rochester will provide the relief you need.

Below, these experts share a few tips that let you wear your favorite shoes and minimize your pain.

1. Keep a Pair of Flats Handy

If you’re wearing high heels to a special event, foot specialists recommend packing a pair of flats in your bag and changing into them when your feet get sore. Wearing high heels for hours on end can damage your feet over time; giving your arches and Achilles tendon a break by switching to flats once in a while will preserve their strength and flexibility.

2. Stick to Two-Inch Heels

If your job’s dress code requires more formal outfits and high heels, stick to a pair that is no more than two inches tall. Heels that are three inches or higher can shift your center of gravity forward, forcing the balls of your feet to support far more weight than they are meant to. This added pressure can lead to a painful burning sensation in the area.

3. Buy Shoes That Fit

Any ill-fitting shoe can cause foot pain, and high heels can cause double the damage. Always buy shoes that fit and wear insoles to reduce the pressure on the front of your foot.

If you are experiencing foot pain despite following the above tips, turn to Podiatry Associates of Rochester for diagnosis and treatment. Their two convenient locations serve patients throughout Monroe County, NY. Check out their website to learn more about this podiatry office and how they can treat foot pain. To make an appointment with a foot specialist today, call (585) 342-8700.