Common Problems with High Heels

Notice the gap between the shoe and the wearer's heel and arch areas -- it likely indicates a shoe that is too long and too wide. This can cause the foot to shift around in the shoe while walking and will surely lead to pain and discomfort. In this case, she probably chose a style that was too wide for her foot.

You may be surprised to learn that your shoe size has changed over the years. A change in foot size can often be attributed to hormonal changes and natural changes in soft tissue that occur with aging. The next time you shop for shoes, be sure to measure your feet for both length and width. Be aware that the right size shoe may not always be a good fit, so it helps to try on a few different styles until you find the most comfortable fit. For more information, see: How to Find Shoes that Fit

One of the most common problems with high heels is pain under the ball of the foot. A higher heel means more stress on the ball of the foot, ankle, and knee, which increases as the height goes up. Even though these heels have an extreme heel height and appear to be too small in size (notice the dangling toes), they do have three preferable features: 1. The thickness underneath the ball of the foot offsets some of the heel height, and depending on the shoe's material, may offer better cushioning than a thinner-soled shoe. 2. The chunkiness of the shoe's heel is preferable to a stiletto heel because it is more stable. 3. The heel is positioned more toward the back of the shoe, which is more stable than a heel positioned more toward the center of the shoe.

The only things holding this shoe onto her foot are a tiny ankle strap and a small amount of material across the toes. As she's bearing weight on the right foot, the shoe is gapping across the middle of her foot and heel, showing that there is inadequate support. This will allow too much motion on an already unsteady, elevated heel. You can bet that long periods of walking in these shoes will leave you with tired, sore feet and put you at risk for an ankle sprain. Your best bet is to choose styles that fit the shape of your foot well, offering adequate material to hold your foot in the shoe -- a good example is a high-heeled boot or a shoe with straps across the toe area, arch, and ankle.

Seeing the way the toes are squeezed into these pointy-toed shoes is painful to observe. Besides the toes being pushed into a cramped space, there is an issue with the shoe's toe material not covering enough of the toes. This forces the toes to work harder at maintaining stability, possibly contributing to toe contractures, such as hammer toes. A better choice is a shoe that has more material across the toes and more of a rounded toe box. Another toe problem that can be aggravated by high-heeled shoes is a bunion deformity.

_Sources:

_{Smita Rao PT, PhD and Renata Ripa, MA. (2011) Pretty Pathways to Pain: Muscle activation in high-heeled shoes. Lower Extremity Review. Nov;(3)11. pp. 18-23.}

_{Jenny L. Sanders, DPM. (2011) When Patients Insist On Wearing High Heels. Podiatry Today. June; (24)6. pp. 38-44.}