Many people don’t realize that back problems and foot conditions can actually be the result of the shoes we wear. At least 75 percent of Americans will experience foot pain during their lifetime, and the majority will be women. Society has created the image of a woman in high platform shoes as being sophisticated, poised, and beautiful. Most women are guilty of falling into the trap and end up paying for the price of beauty.
At Southwest Spine and Pain Center, patients receive ample one-on-one time with a physician to go over their condition and what steps need to be made to improve pain. Offering the best pain management strategies and exceptional patient care, Southwest Spine and Pain Center caters to each patient individually.
Foot pain can be that cause of various circumstances:
- Poor-fitting shoes
- High-heeled shoes
- Poor posture
- High-impact exercise
- Poor balance
By correcting posture, gait, and foot attire, patients with foot pain can anticipate a reduction in their pain. However, for women, that may mean sacrificing too much.
From Lady Gaga to Madonna, female celebrities are making bold fashion statements on their feet. Dr. Emily Splichal, board-qualified podiatrist, explains, “Consumers often look to celebrities for style inspiration… but sky-high stilettos and shoes lacking the proper arch support can cause foot pain and increase the risk of plantar fasciitis and stress fractures.”
Fashion seems to have taken a wacky turn these past couple of years. When Lady Gaga entered the music industry everyone had to take a second look at the styles she sported on her body. Her extremely high heel platforms do not provide ample support for the feet. In fact, they add stress on the ball of the foot, big toe joint, and ankle. The heels cause an imbalance on our feet, which causes pressure on our knees and lower back. This stress may lead to knee osteoarthritis and/or sacroiliac joint pain.
Beyonce and Kim Kardashian were both guilty of sporting too high of heels during their pregnancies. A woman needs proper foot support and good foot health while they are pregnant. During these nine months, the feet take on every ounce of weight. With this added weight, there is an immense strain on the arches of the feet, causing them to stretch. During pregnancy, a woman’s balance becomes altered and constantly changes, which makes them more vulnerable to tripping.
Stiletto heels place extra pressure on a person’s toes. When we are walking in heels, all our body’s force is crammed to the front of the foot. This increases pressure and discomfort and can lead to plantar fasciitis. People are more susceptible to ankle sprains, hammertoes, and damage to joints in the lower body.
Who knew that so many debilitating conditions could arise from poor shoe decisions? Even though celebrities are taking risks to look good in photographs, it is not worth imitating the style and getting stuck with a foot problem for months or even years. If you want to wear a heel, look for shoes that have a small heel, less than five inches, and has good support for the ankles and arches.
If you or someone you know is experiencing foot pain, call and schedule an appointment at any of our Southwest Spine and Pain Center locations.
If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With three locations and growing, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
©Southwest Spine and Pain Center, 2013
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