High Heel Remedies

High heels are a fashion statement that has become a necessity for many women. Women are also favorable to the way high heels enhance their features, such as their calves, legs, hips and gives them that infamous provocative strut. High heels have a slanted structure that causes the center of a woman’s gravity to shift. The shift makes her back arch, thrusts her chest and pelvis forward, makes her hips protrude and tightens her calf muscles. This all comes together and creates the coveted strut. While high heels may complement a woman’s apparel and make her walk like a supermodel, prolonged wear of the shoes can cause a great deal of discomfort to the entire body.

Negative Effects

The structure of high heels can cause pain and discomfort due to pressure and shifting of the body’s alignment. For example, the pressure the heels of the feet feels when running is the same pressure experienced by the heels while walking in a pair of four-inch heels. The arched back that happens while wearing a pair of high heels changes the angles and positions of the joints. These changes put a strain on the pelvic and abdominal organs of the body because they must adjust. As for the balls of the feet and the heels, they receive a substantial amount of pressure. Additionally, the elongated look of the leg muscles created by high heels are due to the decrease in propulsive power to the tendons and muscles of the legs. The power has to stem from other areas of the body, such as the thighs, knees, buttocks and hips.

Remedies

Epsom Salt Soaks

Epsom salt is used in warm water to soothe achy sore body parts, especially the feet. Epsom salt is a mixture of two absorbable minerals, magnesium and sulfate. The body uses magnesium to build and repair tissues. The warm water will expand the blood vessels in the feet and open up the pores to ensure the feet will absorb the minerals of the epsom salt and start to recover.

Stretching Exercises

Wearing a pair of high heels can cause the Achilles tendon and the calf muscles to tighten or shortened. Additionally, the structure of high heels can make the toes buckle or contract, resulting in a condition known as hammertoes. Stretching exercises, like Yoga, can alleviate these problems. The “downward-facing dog pose,” and the “virasana-hero pose” are great yoga exercises to help stretch the legs and feet. Another beneficial stretching exercise to try is the runner’s wall stretch, which stretches the Achilles tendon. Moving each foot up, down, left, right and in circles are known as “range of motion” exercises. These simple stretches will keep the blood circulating in the foot and aide in reducing fluids that causes swelling in the legs.

Take a Vacation from High Heels

The feet needs to take a break from wearing high heels. The balls of the feet has to take most of the pressure inflicted by high-heeled shoes. With this kind of excessive pressure, the ligaments that support the bottom of the foot and the toes can develop tears and/or stress fractures could form. Simply switching to a comfortable pair of sneakers with a cushioned insole can make a huge difference. However, if sneakers are ruled out as an option, wearing a lower, wider heel will work just as well. Another great tip is to reduce the amount of time spent wearing a pair of high heels.

If you think you have developed extensive pain from high heels such as bunions and you would like to treat the issue, contact Talus inMotion Foot & Ankle and schedule a consultation today.