The human foot is a biological masterpiece composed of 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 10 tendons, muscles, ligaments, not including blood vessels and nerves. One-quarter off all the bones in the human body are down in your feet.
Foot ailments are among the most common health problems. Some of these troubles can be blamed on heredity; however, many problems can be blamed on abuse and neglect of our poor feet. Women have about four times as many foot ailments as men. Ill fitting shoes are a major conspirator with a key culprit being high-heeled shoes.
The American Podiatric Medical Association conducted the “High Heels Survey” in 2003. They stated that 72 percent of the women surveyed wear high heel shoes. Most women wear heels two inches or higher. A good number of women do not get their feet measured before buying new shoes and most have never gotten recommendations for proper footwear from a podiatrist. The majority of women (82 percent) wear high-heeled shoe for fashion and (42 percent) admitted to wearing uncomfortable shoes. Men may be questioning why women torment themselves in these horrible torture devices. Women gave various reasons including style, to complete their professional wardrobe, look sexier, enhance their legs and /or appear taller.
Foot problems from wearing high-heeled shoes may include blisters, corns, ingrown toenails, bunions, toe pain and pain in the ball of the foot. The price of fashion exacts a toll on ladies feet. High heels cause compression of the ball of the foot and toes causing; injuries such as neuromas and affects the biomechanics of the foot leading to bunions and hammertoes. A three-inch heel can create seven times more stress on the ball of the foot than a one inch heel. High heeled shoes also concentrate abnormal forces on the ankle and rear foot. Furthermore, high heeled shoes may cause knee-joint stress and contribute to knee arthritis. Two inch heels can increase knee strain (23 percent) as compared to walking barefoot.
How can women free themselves of the agony? Relief can be attained by choosing a shoe with a deep toe box, avoiding heels more than two inches high or too narrow.
Furthermore, purchase new shoes later in the day when feet tend to be at their largest to ensure a proper fit.
In conclusion ladies, remember your feet were not meant to hurt. They are meant to last a lifetime and regular foot care and proper fitting shoe will help keep them up to the task.
Podiatrist Olga Garcia Luepschen and the Gentle Foot Care Center can be found at 2 Ryant Blvd. in Sebring(on U.S. 27) or by calling 863-314-9255(WALK) and feel free to visit our website at www.GentleFootCareCenter.com
Gentle Foot Care Center 