Well Heeled Equals Well Hurt, Study Finds

There is a strong correlation between women’s dressier shoes – like heels and pumps – and the likelihood of foot pain later in life.

An article in the October issue of Arthritis Care & Research, which was based upon interviews with 3,378 men and women from Massachusetts, found that women who had mainly worn supportive footwear like sneakers or athletic shoes in their early years cut their risk of foot pain later by more than half, compared with women who had worn shoes that gave average support, like hard-soled or rubber-soled shoes. The average age of the women in the study was 66.

Those women were in the minority, however. More than 60 percent of women said they generally wore problem footwear, like high heels, pumps, sandals, and slippers: footwear that generally leads to the risk of pain in the hindfoot, ankle, or Achilles tendon.

Women can do more to ensure healthy and pain-free feet. First, women (as well as men) should place more of an emphasis on fit, rather than aesthetic beauty, when buying shoes. Also, people should always buy shoes later in the day, when their feet are typically at their largest. We know it’s hard – and that many jobs require certain types of footwear – but your will feet thank you for it later!

Also, here are some tips to prevent foot pain, straight from the mouths of the American Podiatric Medical Association:

• Inspect feet regularly for changes in color and temperature, or growths. Look for thick or discolored nails (a sign of developing fungus), and check for cracks or cuts in the skin. Peeling or scaling on the soles of feet could indicate athlete's foot. 

• Wash feet regularly, especially between the toes, and never forget to dry them completely.Trim toenails straight across, but not too short. 

• Make sure shoes fit properly. Replace worn out shoes as soon as possible. Also, select and wear the right shoe for specific activities.

• Alternate shoes. Don't wear the same pair of shoes every day.

• Avoid walking barefoot, which increases the risk for injury and infection. At the beach or when wearing sandals, always use sun block on your feet, as you would on the rest of your body.

• Be cautious when using home remedies for foot ailments. Self-treatment can often turn a minor problem into a major one.

• It is critical that people with diabetes see a podiatric physician at least once a year for a checkup. People with diabetes, poor circulation, or heart problems should not treat their own feet, including toenails, because they are more prone to infection.

Also, don’t ignore foot pain. It isn’t normal. Whether you are running 40 miles a week or just taking a post-dinner stroll, we want to hear about your feet and their condition!