Love Wearing Heels?

If you are feeling the consequences of constantly wearing heels, here are some steps you can take to help combat the aching and discomfort:

* Change your shoes — Go for flat shoes or shoes that provide more support and cushion

* Switch your exercise routine — Reduce frequent stress on your knees, hips and lower back while exercising. Rowing, swimming and the elliptical are low-impact types of exercises that are easier on your joints

* Minimize the number of days you wear heels — Try adding wedges to your shoe selection.

* Go for a shorter heel — Heels two inches or less put less pressure on joints

* Stretch your calves before and after wearing heels — Allow yourself time for lunges or other calf-stretching methods

* Place cushions in your shoes and heels — Make your shoe choices more comfortable for your feet

A few tips that you can keep in mind while purchasing and wearing your favorite heels.

* Buy the right size that fits you well. If you buy a bigger size, you can fall. If you buy a smaller size, it can be tight thereby causing pain

* If you have wide feet, do not wear closed tapered shoes, wear wide front closed ones, or open toe ones. Even those with smaller toes should opt for closed wide-front shoes. The pointed front shoes will pinch your toes and make it very uncomfortable. Heels that cramp your toes will cause pain when walking and increase the possibility of getting bunions, corns and developing hammertoes and even arthritis later in life

* Wearing heels puts more pressure on your feet, especially the balls of the feet. Before purchasing that coveted pair, check that they have proper padding and cushioning in the area that supports the balls of the feet.

* Check where the heel is placed. The heel should ideally be placed under your own heel. Remember, thicker the heel, the greater the support it provides for your body. Look for platforms that will distribute your weight across the entire foot evenly instead of concentrating it at the ball of the foot or the heel. So, go for wider, thicker heels if you want to decrease the risk of sprained ankles

* High heels that are 3 cm to 9 cm high are the most comfortable to walk in. Heels more than that height put more pressure on your lower back, knees, ankles and do not give any support for balancing