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Let's Talk: High Heels

They look so nice in the window, that our first impulse is to pick our size and wear them as soon as possible. However, what we often ignore is that those shoes we just bought could end up causing serious health problems. This is because both high heels and our beloved flat sandals, if not chosen correctly for our foot type, can cause more harm to our body than the comfort we so desire.

According to a recent study by Auburn University, wearing sandals without proper arch support not only causes back, leg, ankle, and foot pain, but can also change the way a person walks. Similarly, further research has shown that uncomfortable shoes can contribute to foot deformities, dryness, and painful skin lesions in this part of the body. In an interview with HuffPost Voces, Dr. Emily Splichal, a podiatrist, movement specialist, and employee of orthopedic shoe brand Aetrex, answered some of the most common questions about which shoes to choose when buying and how we should know if they are suitable for our feet. What are the characteristics a shoe should have to be considered good and healthy for our feet? Healthy shoes should have orthopedic support, cushioning, and provide personalization and fit. Shoes should be made with high-quality materials to help consumers feel good while standing.

What are the most common foot problems that can affect general health?
The average adult takes between 5,000 and 8,000 steps per day. This includes more than 150,000 steps per month and 1.5 million steps per year. Most people take their foot health for granted until they experience pain, swelling, or other issues. From impaired blood flow to nutrient deficiencies, all can affect foot health, ultimately impacting overall well-being. One of the most common vascular problems related to the feet is arterial blood flow. Arterial blood is pumped from the heart to the ends of our feet, delivering oxygen to our tissues. The buildup of plaque can narrow arteries in the legs and feet, limiting the oxygen supply to our tissues. A decrease in oxygen can be painful, delay wound healing, and often limits walking ability. One of the most common dermatological issues with feet is fungal infection. Fungal infections may seem like a minor problem. If left untreated, fungal infections can cause the skin to break, allowing bacteria to penetrate and lead to a superinfection.

What are the most common health problems that shoes can cause to your body?
Just like shoes are designed to protect and support the feet, they are also a fashion statement. Sometimes, our love for fashion and style overrides the functional role of shoes. Poor shoe choices can lead to health issues such as back pain, fractures, and calluses. Although high heels receive a lot of attention because they are associated with high injury rates, they are not the only shoes that can affect your health. Sandals provide minimal arch support and shock absorption, increasing the risk of plantar fasciitis (inflammation) and stress fractures. Minimalist shoes are another type of footwear that, if worn incorrectly, can increase the risk of stress injuries. One of the most important tips for preventing health problems related to footwear is not to wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row. Wearing different shoes reduces the risk of repetitive foot and body stress.

How dangerous are high heels for your feet?
With medium-high heels reaching 5 inches, tension increases in the ball of the ankle, the big toe, and the back of the ankle. Despite the foot health risks associated with high heels, many women refuse to stop wearing them. The most important thing a woman can do if she wants to continue wearing high heels is to stretch the calves and the plantar fascia daily and vary the heel height to minimize stress on the joints of the foot and ankle.

Do you have any recommendations for keeping your feet healthy and beautiful?
Women have four times more foot problems than men, and high heels and improper shoe sizes are largely to blame. To keep their feet healthy year-round, it's important to buy shoes that meet their needs and add arch supports for proper support. Footwear brands like Aetrex offer orthopedic devices built into Lynco insoles, which can be customized and offer unmatched cushioning and functionality. Additionally, many stores, such as B. Walking Company, are specialists certified in foot and ankle care, as well as pain prevention. It's important to remember that foot health is more than just wearing well-fitting shoes; how you care for your feet at the end of the day is equally important.

Some tips to prevent the development of calluses and dry skin on your feet:
To avoid dry skin, daily moisturizing is important. After showering, use a product based on petroleum jelly, as these are designed to seal in moisture absorbed during the shower. To avoid calluses, ensure that body weight is evenly distributed with orthopedic devices.

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