High Heel Shoe Damage

Foot and Vein Damage from High Heels

Wearing high heels changes the biomechanics of walking and can have an impact on the entire structure of the foot and the relationship of the knee to the ankle, as well as your lower back.  It puts more pressure on your feet per square inch.  This means if you are overweight wearing high heels will put a lot of added pressure on your feet as you walk per square inch.  High heeled shoes have been linked to many foot ailments like bunions, hammertoes, neuromas, metatarsalgia, Achilles tendonitis, ingrown toenails, and corns and calluses.

It also effects the veins in your legs by effecting the blood circulation.  If you wear a heel that is more that 1.5 inches high every day, your calf muscle will not be effectively pumping blood out of the leg.  You can try this at home. Feel how the calf contracts when you walk in lower heels and then switch to high heels.  The foot simply moves forward in high heels, and you won't feel your calf contracting as you walk.  This can lead to the development of varicose veins. 

Try these Simple Steps to Minimize the Damage...

• Buy leather shoes, not synthetics.  Leather is a natural material that conforms to your foot more easily then synthetic materials
• Wear heels that are no higher then 3 inches and beware of the pointy toed, stiletto shoe! These are a double whammy!
• Wear your heels less than 3 hours a day and regularly stretch your Achilles tendon and calf muscles at least every day if not twice a day.
• If you have constant knee pain, avoid heels all together! Osteoarthritis in the knee has been linked to chronic wearing of high heel shoes

• Try slimfit custom orthotic, like the ones pictured above, in your high heel shoes to shift weight off the ball of the foot back to the heel.  This will improve body alignment and balance and reduce leg and lower back fatigue.  These orthotics are available through our online product store.
• Always have a pair of comfortable shoes at your work desk to change into.

High heels are not good for your feet, however they may be unavoidable in your profession.  Take time to follow these tips and prevent damage to your feet and legs.

Shoes for Cycling

Cycling is a great sport that has recently made a comeback.  You may think your feet aren't really involved in cycling because they never touch the ground; think again. Your feet are responsible for making the bike move! Common foot injuries related to cycling include, Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, shin splints, and foot numbness or pain.  Lack of proper body alignment is often the cause of these injuries. 

Whether you are a casual cyclist or preparing for the Tour de France choosing proper footwear, including socks, is very important.  A typical athletic shoe used for walking, running, or cross-training will work for the casual cyclist as long as they have a stiff sole and is not worn down.  You want to be sure you have a firm grip on the pedal to avoid slipping.  The more serious cyclist's cycling shoes should have a stiff sole and fit snugly around the bridge of the foot and heel. The more stable and less movement inside the shoe, the more power can be transferred through the entire foot to the pedal. Also look for shoes with ventilated uppers to keep feet more comfortable. Closure systems vary, including lacing, buckles, straps, and Velcro -- or some combination. You can choose whichever feel most comfortable to you. However, be careful that any loose ends (from straps or laces) and buckles don't hang over, as they can pose a safety hazard if you elect to use toe clips.  Visit Step Alive Shoes for a list of doctor approved shoes to get you ready to ride. 

Once you have your shoes and get ready to fine tune your cycling skills, the Bicycling Magazine's Complete Book of Cycling Skills will help you along the way.  Take your road cycling to the next level with the newest techniques, equipment, and skills from the leading magazine in the sport.

Check out how to:
• Ensure your bike is in tip-top shape in 8 easy steps
• Boost your efficiency with smooth pedaling and proper form
• Brake without wasting speed or wiping out
• Ride safely in wet, cold, and hot weather
• Master the skills of riding in traffic

Bicycling Magazine has assembled the most comprehensive book about road cycling in recent years. Everything you need to know about this wonderful sport is clearly presented and easy to put to use.' --Alex Stieda, first North American to lead the Tour de France.  The book is available through our online store.  If you begin to experience any pain in your feet while cycling, be sure to contact our office and schedule an appointment.  Call us at 419-423-1888 or visit our website to request an appointment.