Wearing heels for a long time is not recommended as it affects your posture, back, and knees and may cause pain. If you wear heels for a long time, you will feel discomfort unless you opt for the cushions for heels that help reduce foot pressure. Below are some reasons you are likely to feel uncomfortable after wearing heels for long.
What causes discomfort when you wear heels for a long time?
1. Pressure on toes and the heel
High heels exert pressure on your toes and may cause bunions, make your legs swell, and may also lead to ingrown toes. You may use heel cushions to help redistribute pressure and feel more comfortable when wearing heels. Wedge and block heels also help to prevent too much pressure on the toes.
2. Natural heel cushion wear-out
Naturally, heels have a soft layer that helps to cushion you from pressure when you wear them. People who wear heels regularly overstretch this layer tissue leaving the heel exposed to too much pressure. Such foot pressure can lead to joint, leg, and back pain.
3. Stress on the knees
Wearing heels shifts the foot pressure forward, and so does the center of gravity. That forces the knees to maintain balance and keep you in an upright position. With such pressure, you will experience knee pain that makes you uncomfortable. It may also aggravate arthritis and chronic joint pain.
4. Injuries and sprains
Wearing heels the whole day makes you tired, and that leaves you prone to falls and sprains. Injuries may also result from the fall, making you very uncomfortable. Wearing heels for long also aggravates existing health conditions such as chronic back pain and arthritis.
5. Blisters and sores
Wearing heels for a long time causes friction that leads to painful blisters and sores. In case you develop blisters and sores on your feet, your walking style becomes awkward. That can lead to discomfort and embarrassment. You may use blister pads to help and avoid wearing tight-fitting shoes to prevent blisters.
6. Decrease in ankle strength
Strong ankle muscles help to enhance dynamic balance that helps to prevent falls and sprains. Without ankle strength, walking and standing on heels will be strenuous and will also cause discomfort. You may also suffer varicose veins complications when you regularly wear heels. Any health condition that causes foot discomfort will make you feel uncomfortable.
Do not stop wearing heels because of the discomfort. If you do it in moderation, you will not experience this. There are a few other things you can do to reduce heel discomfort.
What you can do?
- Take off heels once in a while, and stretch and massage your feet.
- Wear cushion heel insoles.
- Alternate heel length to ensure your feet get rest from high heels.
- Opt for wedge or block heels as they are more comfortable.
- Avoid ill-fitting or worn-out shoes and opt for those with sturdy and stable heels.
