Wearing Sexy, Strappy Spring Shoes Safely

Philadelphia, PA, March 29, 2005—Think the new wedge-heeled shoes for spring will give you a more solid platform than spike heels? Think again, says Joe Daniel, DO, an orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in foot and ankle surgery at Albert Einstein Medical Center.

Spike, chunky or wedge, high heels can cause serious foot, ankle, knee, pelvic and back problems. “Women may wear wide- or wedge-heeled shoes longer because they feel more comfortable than stiletto heels,” says Dr. Daniel. “But wedge heels are just as bad for your ankles and knees as narrow heels.”

According to Dr. Daniel, nearly all women who wear heels higher than 2.5 inches will injure their feet, ankles or knees in some way. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society agree. About 80 percent of the women they surveyed had foot pain, over 70 percent wore heels and nearly 60 percent wore uncomfortable shoes for at least an hour every day.

Women account for more than 80 percent of all foot surgeries and about 90 percent of the nearly 800,000 surgeries done each year to treat neuromas, bunions and “hammer toes.” Nearly 90 percent of women routinely wear shoes that are one to two sizes too narrow.

“Women can minimize discomfort and potential long-term damage by opting for lower heels and making sure that shoes fit well,” explains Dr. Daniel. Tips for getting the best fit when you are shoe shopping include:

· Get both feet measured regularly. One foot is usually larger, so make sure that shoes fit comfortably on that foot. Also, our foot size changes as we age.

· Shop at the end of the day. That’s when your feet are the largest.

· Make sure you can wiggle your toes. If you can’t the shoes are too small. Stand up – Is there 3/8-inch between your longest toe and the end of the shoe?

· Check for added cushioning. Shoes with extra padding absorb more stress, ease heal pain and help protect your feet.

· Avoid shoes that bend in the middle. They can cause arch pain. Choose shoes with good arch support.

· Walk around the store. If shoes are uncomfortable now, they’ll only feel worse after you’ve worn them for longer periods.

Do you absolutely have to have those narrow, pointy-toed shoes with the 3-inch-plus heels? “Then absolutely limit the amount of time you spend in them,” says Dr. Daniel. “Bring another pair of more comfortable shoes to change into.”

Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, a member of the Jefferson Health System, provides healthcare services through Albert Einstein Medical Center, Germantown Community Health Services, Willow Terrace (a nursing home), Einstein at Elkins Park, MossRehab, Willowcrest (a center for subacute care), Belmont Behavioral Health and a number of outpatient and satellite locations.  Einstein also operates a primary care network, Einstein Neighborhood Healthcare. 

Publish date: March 29, 2005