02/24/2017

Red Carpet Ready: Surviving the Night in Heels

New York State Podiatric Medical Association’s Podiatrists Give the 411 on Wearing Heels

From statement heels and strappy, thin stilettos to pointy-toe pumps, there will be no shortage of sparkling, high heels on the 89^th Academy Awards red carpet. It’s no secret that celebrities spend an extended amount of time in towering heels at various star-studded events. Women know that wearing heels isn’t always practical, easy or pain-free. Sore ankles, achy arches and blisters are anything but ideal.

The good news? Wearing your favorite pair of heels doesn’t have to mean torture for your feet. Dr. James Hanna, a Lockport, New York podiatrist and spokesperson for the New York State Podiatric Medical Association (NYSPMA) offers tips and tricks for putting your best foot forward and pulling off an unforgettable night in heels.

Go for a “test drive”
Never make an evening out the first time that you wear a new pair of shoes. Give yourself time to wear them a few days before the big day. Nothing works to make a shoe more comfortable than simply breaking it in. Identifying any problems beforehand will give you the confidence to wear them throughout the night comfortably.

Opt for a lower heel
If you’ve narrowed it down to two pairs of shoes, pick the pair with the lower heel.  “Forefoot pressure is an issue when wearing high heels,” warns Hanna. “In fact, forefoot pressure decreases by 54% when you swap out a 3-inch heel for a 1-inch heel.” Hanna suggests incorporating a low or wide heel into your shoe rotation. This will reduce back and leg strain and help minimize pain at the ball of the foot.

Don’t forget backup
Take a second pair of “sensible” shoes to be kept in the car or a bag. You never know when you may find yourself doing more walking than you had planned. “Two-to-three hours is the maximum amount of time you should wear heels without a break,” says Hanna. “Having a backup pair of shoes will not only help keep you comfortable and safe on less-than-ideal surfaces, but can help prevent excess wear or damage to your expensive dress shoes.”

Let feet breathe
At the end of the day, take the shoes off and let your feet breathe. If you have any soreness, heed this advice: rest, ice and elevation to help the feet heal and prevent swelling. Over-the-counter medications may also be used to reduce discomfort and pain.

Inspect and take action
If you notice any areas of irritation, blistering or cuts, apply a topical antibiotic and cover it with a bandage.

Give feet a break
The following day, opt for a softer pair of walking or athletic shoes. “This will help reduce any discomfort from the night before,” adds Hanna.

For more information on foot health care or to find a podiatrist in the New York State area, visit www.nyspma.org, and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.