by If you are someone who wears strictly flat for the sake of your feet, you may be surprised to learn that a little heel is better than none at all, according to podiatrist and podiatrist Dana Canuso, DPM, founder of Dr. Canuso Skincare for Legs. “This is by far the most common misconception that flat shoes are good for you and responsible, but in the long run, lack of support can cause significant damage to your legs, knees, hips, back and shoulders,” he says.
However, this does not mean that you should wear a long dagger (which FYI, Dr. Canuso does not recommend wearing because it may increase the risk of ankle injuries). There are many good choices in between.
When it comes to finding heels that will not hurt your feet, it is important to keep a few things in mind, such as the following recommendations for podiatrist heels.
Prefer a medium heel
Choosing the right pair of heels looks like gold – you do not want anything too low or too high. It must be correct because it can affect your posture and gait pattern. “Too small a heel can often lead to leg pain, shin splints, back pain and plantar fasciitis (or inflammation of the foot) and too high a heel can often lead to shin splints and back pain, as well as Achilles tendon problems.” says Dr. Canousso. So opt for a two to three inch high heel and see how your feet feel, as the ideal heel height will vary from person to person.
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“My personal feeling is that any heel over three inches should only be worn for a very short time, such as for a special occasion or a wedding, as using them for extended periods can cause long-term damage, especially if worn . “all day, every day,” he says.
Make sure it has a back
Slip-on sandals and mules can look really tempting, especially in spring and summer. But if your main concern is foot health – not fashion – you will want to stick with high heels. “Overall, having back heels will provide more support than shoes that do not,” says Dr. Canuso.
The size of the back of the shoe also matters. “It is common for some people to have a bony protrusion on the back of their heel, which could be rubbed against the back of the shoe,” explains Dr. Canousso, “so make sure the shoe either hits above or below this point.” to avoid rubbing and pain. “
Examine the wedges
If Dr. Kanuso had to choose an MVP in terms of heel, it had to be the wedge. “In my opinion, it is the best and most supportive heel for any type of foot, as it helps to distribute the pressure when walking, supports the ankle and gives a larger surface so that the foot finds stability when standing and walking. He says, adding that if your wedge is shorter (like 1.5 inches), it’s good to be open back, as you are so low to the ground that it will be quite stable without the extra support.
Find a support base
It is important to note that the thickness of the heels — whether it is a block or a wedge or thinner or a dagger instead — may be more or less favorable based on the arch of the foot. “If I had to choose between a short slender dagger or a high wedge as the best heel option to avoid pain and discomfort, my answer would vary depending on the type of foot,” says Dr. Canuso.
According to her, a medium-height wedge is better for legs with a low arch or flat foot, as well as for neutral legs. However, a short dagger (1.5 inches) should be good for legs with high arches. “As a general rule, I would say that a 2-3 inch wedge with a comfortable leather back is the best heel [for anyone] to wear every day “, he says.
Conclusion
Having a little feel is better than not having a heel when it comes to foot health, but you want to make sure you follow medium height options that are between 2-3 inches high for maximum stability. For similar reasons, go with shoes that have backs and wear wedges if you plan to be in heels for long periods of time, although daggers are good for special occasions such as a wedding.
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