Between the end of November and the New Year, for many of us, it’s party season. Between work functions, family get togethers and big nights out, there are plenty of excuses to get dressed to the nines and enjoy yourself. If you can’t say no to high heeled shoes when it’s time to party, this blog post is for you!
Whilst a pair of high heels can seem like the right shoes for an outfit, they can also be the wrong shoes when they leave you with more than just aching feet. The wrong pair of heels can take their toll on the body from toe, up to head.
As osteopaths, we believe that the body performs best when it is properly aligned. High heels put the foot at an angle, which pulls the muscles and joints out of their natural alignment. As a result, people who spend a lot of time wearing high heels are more at risk of experiencing lower back, neck and shoulder pain.
The plantar fascia ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot, acting as a shock absorber, is connected to the calf muscle. The calf muscle connects to the hamstring, which in turn is attached to the pelvis and lower back. As high heels angle your feet, the effect of this is that your hamstring is tightened, putting extra pressure on your back.
Another contributing factor to back pain is that as you walk in heels, your centre of gravity shifts forward, causing your back to arch.
Our advice for choosing the right high heels
Our feet take the weight of our body, so it’s important to look after them to avoid problems elsewhere in the body.
When choosing the right shoes to wear, it’s important to think about more than just which shoes will look best with the rest of your outfit. To help prevent aching legs, back and neck, we would recommend that you follow these tips:
- Look for a platform sole – A platform
decreases the angle of your foot by raising the ball of the foot as well as the
heel. As a result, your weight can be more evenly distribute across the entire
foot and makes walking a little easier.
- Choose a thicker heel – Shoes with a
thicker heel may not lessen the angle of your foot, but they do help to spread
your body weight more evenly. A thicker heel also helps you to be steadier on
your feet, lessening the risk of spraining your ankle.
- Wear heels that fit snugly – High heels
that are too loose can be a serious culprit for painful feet. As your foot
moves back and forth, this increased friction can result in blisters and
bleeding feet. Shoes should offer support to the foot, especially around the
arch and heel, whilst allowing flexibility at the ball of the foot. Make sure
heels with straps can be adjusted to fit your feet and ankles!
- Make sure your shoes are worn in – Before
going out to a party where you’ll be standing a lot, and most likely, dancing,
you’ll want to choose a pair of heels that are properly broken in. Try wearing
your shoes around the house before the day of the party to help wear them in
properly.
- Carry a pair of flats – We would always recommend that you carry a spare pair of lightweight party pumps with you to wear at the end of the night as you travel home.
Visit an Osteopath
At Fiona Passey Osteopaths, we regularly treat patients who are experiencing symptoms linked to wearing high heels.
If you are experiencing foot or leg pain, or lower back, shoulder or neck pain that you feel could be the result of wearing high heels or not caring for your feet properly, osteopathic treatment may be able to help, by working to return your body to its intended alignment.
We can also offer custom made orthotics to enhance performance, comfort and well-being. Click here to find out more.
To arrange an appointment in Halesowen, please call 0121 585 8555, or for Wombourne, please call us on 01902 894894. We will be happy to assist you.
