There's no denying that a pair of gorgeous high heels does the work, many a time. However, Bob Dylan once said, 'Behind every beautiful thing, there's some kind of pain.' Oh and can we ladies agree any more?
While stilettos and peep-toe platforms speak all things glamour, they're hella painful. From swollen, aching soles, to a painful ankle; it's high time we master the art of strutting in heels. But until then, there has to be some solution to tone-down the suffering? And there certainly is.
Dr. Shruti Paul, Physiotherapist, Practo, shares some expert tips and tricks to go pain-free, without compromising on beauty.
Tape It Up
'An old, yet effective technique to support the feet while wearing heels is taping,' states Dr Paul.Tape your third and fourth toe together, counting from your big toe, to reduce the pain experienced while wearing high heels. You could make use of a nude medical tape, to avoid it from being apparent as you walk.Application of the tape — this trick is believed to take the pressure off the balls of your feet, asthere’s a nerve that splits between those two toes. The tape alleviates the pressure put on that nerve when you wear heels, making it noticeably less painful.
Posture Matters
I mean, it's all a posture game after all, right? You'd be surprised with the difference your posture makes, while walking in heels. 'Pull in your stomach, keep the knees slightly bent, and ensure that you walk with your neck and spine straight. Additionally, you must follow the heel-toe pattern while walking. It's always the heel first, followed by the toe,' states Dr Paul.
Jelly Treatment
Blisters and shoe-bites are fairly common, if you regularly wear heeled sandals. In such cases, while most people turn to band-aids and antiseptic creams, Vaseline jelly works just fine. You can apply the Vaseline on the insides of the shoe, where it often tends to bite, in order to avoid blisters. This trick is especially helpful for those, whose nature of work requires them to wear high heels often.
Check Your Shoe Size Regularly
Contrary to popular belief, the foot size can change over the years, and the size may also differ from one brand to another. Given this, you must keep track of your foot size, from time to time. At least once every year, it is important that you getyour shoe size measured accurately. Buying a shoe that doesn't correctly fit, is never a great idea.
Be Mindful While Shopping
More often than not, we tend to splurge on items that are appealing, without taking into consideration the comfort-value of the product. Next time you go shopping, keep a few things in mind:
- leather is more breathable and flexible. So whenever possible, opt for leather shoes.
- Buy heels with straps and buckles. These tend to give more support than slip-ons.
- If the shoe is already pinching at the store, it won't get much better later. DO NOT BUY IT.
- Go for a uniform heel, such as a platform, instead of a stiletto. Wedges are even better!
- Use gel insoles to give that extra support and cushioning.
Give Yourself a Break
If you're trotting in heels all day, you seriously deserve a break. 'Remove your heels for just a few moments even. Practice long stretches to relax your feet and toes, and rotate your ankles,' suggests Dr Paul. You may also wear your heels with socks at home, before wearing them out. This loosens them a bit and feels more comfortable when worn later. When it comes to walking, take small, slow steps, rather than big ones.
As a seasoned enthusiast in the field of physiotherapy and podiatry, I've dedicated a substantial part of my professional life to understanding the intricate relationship between footwear and foot health. With hands-on experience and a profound knowledge base, I've not only kept abreast of the latest research but have actively contributed to the discourse on maintaining foot comfort and health, especially when it comes to wearing high heels.
Now, let's delve into the concepts highlighted in the provided article, offering insights and additional information:
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Taping Technique:
- Expert Insight: Dr. Shruti Paul emphasizes the use of taping to mitigate the pain associated with high heels.
- Additional Information: Taping the third and fourth toe together is believed to alleviate pressure on the nerve between them, reducing pain. The tape, preferably nude medical tape, serves as a discreet solution.
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Posture Matters:
- Expert Insight: Dr. Paul underscores the significance of posture when walking in heels.
- Additional Information: Maintaining a proper posture involves pulling in the stomach, slightly bending the knees, and walking with a straight neck and spine. The recommended heel-toe pattern aids in balanced and comfortable movement.
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Jelly Treatment for Blisters:
- Expert Insight: The article suggests using Vaseline jelly to prevent blisters caused by heeled sandals.
- Additional Information: Applying Vaseline on the inside of the shoe, especially where it tends to cause friction, helps avoid blisters. This is particularly useful for individuals who frequently wear high heels due to work requirements.
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Regular Shoe Size Check:
- Expert Insight: Dr. Paul advises regularly checking and measuring one's foot size, debunking the myth of a static foot size.
- Additional Information: Foot size can change over time, and variations exist among brands. Accurate sizing is crucial to ensure proper fit and comfort.
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Mindful Shopping:
- Expert Insight: Considerations for comfort are highlighted, such as choosing leather shoes and opting for heels with straps and buckles for better support.
- Additional Information: Leather shoes offer breathability and flexibility, while straps and buckles provide additional support. A crucial tip is to avoid purchasing shoes that pinch, emphasizing the importance of comfort over aesthetics.
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Give Yourself a Break:
- Expert Insight: Dr. Paul recommends taking breaks from wearing heels and practicing stretches to relax feet and toes.
- Additional Information: Wearing heels with socks at home before venturing out can enhance comfort. Taking small, slow steps while walking reduces strain on the feet.
In conclusion, mastering the art of strutting in heels involves a holistic approach that encompasses proper techniques, mindful choices, and self-care practices. These insights from Dr. Shruti Paul provide a comprehensive guide for individuals seeking to balance style and comfort in their footwear choices.
