Kim Kardashian’s ankles looked swollen and puffy in a pair of tightly-fitting high heels she recently wore to dinner with her fiancé Kanye West and fashion magazine editor Anna Wintour. This isn’t the first time Kardashian has worn the wrong size shoe in public.

Last year, she received a lot of publicity for wearing tight fitting shoes while pregnant with her baby North. Kardashian also wore a dress with a lot of holes in it that revealed her undergarments if looked at closely.

High heels are fabulous, but wearing them too often can be dangerous for the feet. If you wear heels frequently and are experiencing foot pain, call podiatrist Dr. Bryant Tarr of Sudbury and Westford Podiatry. Dr. Tarr will examine your feet and diagnose any condition you might have.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because they are associated with femininity.  Despite their appeal, they can cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

What parts my body will be affected by high heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – may shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – they decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  Also, the vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What kinds of foot problems can develop from wearing high heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How can I still wear high heels and maintain foot health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock; you can buy either full inserts or metatarsal pads. 

If you have any questions, please contact one of our offices in Sudbury and Westford, MA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about the Effects of High Heels on the Feet.