Avoid High Heels, Avoid Foot Problems

BOSTON -- Most of us have been in an unhealthy relationship at some point. Orthopedic surgeons argue that's clearly the case when it comes to women and high-heeled shoes.

The love affair is one that has passed the test of time. Despite the high price to pocketbooks and feet, women don't want the separation, reported WCVB-TV in Boston.

Slip on a pair of high heels, and some women suddenly feel sexy and fashionable. Women say high heels are about style, sophistication and great-looking legs.

"(It) makes me look thinner," said high-heel wearer Miranda.

"It enhances the look of an outfit. It enhances the line of a pant," said Nancy.

And for that, women are willing to suffer by wearing sinfully high, pointy stilettos that bring both glamour and aching feet.

"I can't do a day of shopping in (high heels). No way, I'd die," said Stacey.

But if you wear high heels too often, you may be in for chronic problems.

Doctors say about one-third of the nation's foot problems are caused by shoes -- mostly women's shoes. Experts say more than 10 million women have foot pain.

Dr. George Theodore, of Massachusetts General Hospital, said the shoes can cause bent toes, referred to as hammer toes, and pinched nerves, known as neuromas.

"And bunions, which are painful bumps on the inside of the big toe," Theodore said. "Your feet are very important, and you have to take care of them."

Shoes can compress the toes, causing deformities for shoe fanatics such as Nancy Nicosia, who has already had two surgeries.

"The bunionectomy was considerably more painful," said Nicosia, who needs more surgery for hammertoes she got from wearing 3-inch heels.

If you're hooked on heels, doctors suggest trying 2-inch heels instead. Buy shoes with a wide toe area, and buy a half size larger, so toes are straight, not squished.

Theodore said you'll know it's time to see a specialist if you have pain with every step.

If it's just for a special occasion, doctors say go for it and buy the high-heeled pointy-toed shoes. But to avoid lifelong problems, step into something more comfortable and let your hurting feet heal.