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Wearing high heels, a staple of formal and work wardrobes, is a must for many women. However, heels can often cause foot pain. Although chronic pain should be addressed by a qualified foot doctor, try one of these four tips to ease any twinges when you wear a favorite pair of heels.

How to Wear Heels Without Pain

1. Wear the Right Size

Pain in the heel, arch, ball, and toes is often caused by shoes that are the wrong width or length. A woman’s foot changes in size and shape as she ages, has children, and gains or loses weight. To ensure your shoes are the right size, have your feet measured every year, both width and length. 

2. Know Your Foot Type

A foot doctor can precisely describe your feet and offer solutions for hammertoes and bunions, both of which cause pain when wearing heels. You can determine the height of your arches, by stepping on a piece of paper with wet feet. The footprint will reveal how much arch you have. It’s not uncommon for feet to flatten as you age, even if relative width stays the same.

3. Choose Thicker Heels & Soles

foot doctorChunkier kitten heels and platform soles are better for feet if you have frequent pain. They offer more stability for the foot. When feet are stable, there’s less likelihood of twisting an ankle or straining a toe. Some women may need to consider a slightly lower heel, too, especially if they feel pain on the top of the foot or at the arch.

Also, choose shoes made of leather, which will stretch as feet expand and contract throughout the day. To soften the pressure on the ball of the foot, add silicone or memory foam inserts to your heels.

4. Stretch Your Feet

If you wear heels daily, develop a stretching routine to help feet relax at the end of the day. Talk with a foot doctor about specific stretches to calm your pain points. Stretch the top of the foot, sole, Achilles tendon, and hamstrings. Simple poses you’ve learned in a yoga class or at the gym should help. Rolling each foot on a tennis ball every evening can also be beneficial. Daily heel wearers should take a break during the day to stretch their feet and skip the stilettos on weekends.

 

If you have foot pain from wearing heels, see a podiatrist. Dr. Warren Trampe, the foot doctor at Deer Creek Foot Care, in O’Fallon, MO, offers a full range of podiatry services to treat common foot complaints. This family-owned clinic provides state-of-the-art diagnostics and treatments. Call (636) 240-1127 to make an appointment, or visit their website to see a full range of foot care services.

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