Get Well-Heeled to Avoid
Back and Foot Problems

High-heeled shoes can make your legs look great. But the American Podiatric Medical Association warns that heels higher than 2 inches can warp your normal walking style and can contribute to falls, ankle sprains, and back, knee, and foot pain. Reduce these ill effects with the following tips:

• Save high heels for special occasions. Otherwise, stick to shoes with heels no higher than ¾ of an inch.
• Alternate heel heights to allow your Achilles tendon to relax. Achilles tendonitis—an inflammation that can result from wearing high heels every day— hurts and may lead to painful bone spurs.
• Pick a wide, stable heel for good balance.
• When buying high heels, make sure to leave enough toe room. Choose only pointed toes that narrow well beyond the ball of your foot.