Ring in the New Year Wearing the Right High Heels

ROSEMONT, Ill., Dec. 21, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- For many people, the days and weeks leading up to New Year's Eve include picking out the perfect outfit and shoes to wear while saying farewell to another year. If high heels are your shoes of choice, follow this advice from the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) to ring in 2019 without foot pain and injuries.

When shopping for heels, choose a lower heel height and wider toe box to reduce the pressure on the ball of the foot and compression on the toes. "A one- to two-inch heel is not a problem, but if gaining height is the goal, a shoe with a platform is preferable so that the foot is not in such an extreme position," explains foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon, Elizabeth A. Cody, MD, of Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. "Avoid shoes that pinch your toes, and don't shy away from trying wide sizes."

If you are not accustomed to walking in high heels, make sure to practice before New Year's Eve as it requires additional attention to balance. Foot and ankle orthopaedic specialists also recommend strengthening the calves and lower leg muscles to improve stability. Limiting your time wearing high heels will also reduce the chance of the calf muscle tightening.

High heels place the foot in an unnatural position, which puts excessive stress on the front of the foot and toes. "For individuals who wear high heels often, the repeated pressure on the ball of the foot could lead to multiple problems and exacerbate many others such as bunions, sesamoiditis, metatarsalgia, and big toe arthritis," says Cody.

Find more tips for buying and wearing high heels this New Year's Eve from FootCareMD.

About Foot and Ankle Orthopaedic Surgeons
Foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons are medical doctors (MD and DO) who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and injuries of the foot and ankle. Their education and training consist of four years of medical school, five years of postgraduate residency, and a fellowship year of specialized surgical training. These specialists care for patients of all ages, performing reconstructive surgery for deformities and arthritis, treating sports injuries, and managing foot and ankle trauma.

About the AOFAS
The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) mobilizes our dynamic community of foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons to improve patient care through education, research, and advocacy. As the premier global organization for foot and ankle care, AOFAS delivers exceptional events and resources for continuous education, funds and promotes innovative research, and broadens patient understanding of foot and ankle conditions and treatments. By emphasizing collaboration and excellence, AOFAS inspires ever-increasing levels of professional performance leading to improved patient outcomes. For more information visit the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society online at aofas.org.

SOURCE American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society

Related Links

http://www.aofas.org