Get Well-Heeled to Avoid
Back and Foot Problems
High-heeled shoes can make your legs lookgreat. But the American Podiatric MedicalAssociation warns that heels higher than2 inches can warp your normal walking styleand can contribute to falls, ankle sprains,and back, knee, and foot pain. Reduce theseill effects with the following tips:
- Save high heels for special occasions.Otherwise, stick to shoes with heels nohigher than ¾ of an inch.
- Alternate heel heights to allow yourAchilles tendon to relax. Achillestendonitis—an inflammation that canresult 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 toleave enough toe room. Choose onlypointed toes that narrow well beyondthe ball of your foot.