The Photo Says It All

“These massive heels appear backwards on the foot, so the wearer’s feet point straight down the back, as if in ballet shoes…The shoes are a collaboration between artist Leanie van der Vyver and Dutch shoe designer René van den Berg, and serve as a commentary on today's impossible standards of beauty,” reported blogger Joanna Douglas.

Impossible standards of beauty?  No kidding. If you want to see something really spectacular, watch the video of the model putting these on and actually walking.

These shoes, of course, were created as art and not for actual wearing. Still, the message is there. Be smart when choosing high heels, especially really high heels. Reserve wearing them for special occasions. And be careful when you walk.

I am not going to say, “Never wear high heels.”  Most of my patients who wear them do not wish to give them up entirely. Some patients are making concessions if the job they have today keeps them on their feet standing or walking for long periods of time. The pain they have at night just isn’t worth it!

1. If you wear high heels regularly, be sure to alternate your heel height froom lower to higher and back daily
2. When wearing heels, protect the ball of the foot with a pad in the shoe or gel pad applied to your foot. (Visit www.diabeticfootdoc.com and search "gel pads")
3. Stretch your achilles/calf muscle daily and especially before you exercise

If you develop daily pain in the back of your heel or in the ball of your foot, make an appointment to have your foot evaluated. Early evaluations can prevent serious foot pain and injury.