5 Tips for Stopping High Heel Pain

Let face it. For many women, high heels are a non-negotiable part of the wardrobe. From style preference to job requirements, high heels are a fashion staple in many female lives.

While it is well known that high heels pose many dangers, like increased risks for bunions, Haglund’s Deformity and foot pain, women are still putting on their favorite pumps.

If you insist on wearing high heels in your daily life, here are some tips to help protect your feet and prevent high heel pain:

1. Your High Heels Must Fit Properly: When purchasing heels, make sure you try them on at the store before swiping your credit card! Ill-fitting heels are one of the biggest culprits for foot pain and deformities. You should not feel pinching or tightness in the toe box or rubbing of the small toe against the inside of the shoe.
2. Invest In Silicone Metatarsal Pads: A quick and easy solution to adding more comfort to your heels is investing in silicone metatarsal pads, which can be found over-the-counter at your local retail stores. If you have specific foot conditions, a custom orthotic for your heels may be beneficial, which a podiatrist can have molded specifically for your foot. Custom orthotics last longer than over-the-counter insoles and provide more foot protection for your specific foot shape.

3. Pick A Shoe With A Gradual Slope: Sky-high heels can also mean sky-high pain. Instead of grabbing the 4-inch heels with a Mount Everest-like slope, choose a pair with a gradual slope. This will take pressure off the ball of your feet, distribute your weight more evenly, and help keep some foot pain at bay.

4. Choose A Thick Heel: A thick heel will increase your stability and help relieve pressure, as well as distribute weight and increase your balance. Twisted, sprained and fractured ankles are a common result of wearing high heels.
5. Go For Open-Toed Heels: If you have corns and calluses, an open-toed shoe will help relieve pressure on these sensitive areas.

While these tips will not stop pain associated with wearing high heels, they will help to alleviate it in the short term. And remember, only wear high heels for a short period of time. Switch to flats whenever possible to reduce your risk of foot pain and/or injury. If you have noticed that you are experiencing foot pain on a regular basis, it is advised that you speak to a podiatrist to address your condition.

To make an appointment with a podiatrist at the Triad Foot Center, call any of our three convenient locations in the Piedmont Triad or click here to request an appointment.

Disclaimer: The information and other content provided in our blogs, videos, or in any other content or linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. For a full disclaimer, please click here.