How Can High Heels Affect Your Feet?

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 19:51:00 GMT

No matter how beautiful your favorite pair of high heels are, you probably feel foot pain after a night out. However, after repetitive use, heels can cause more than just pressure and soreness. Here's what you should know know about the impact high heels have on the feet and preventive measures you can take.

How Do High Heels Impact Feet?

When you wear high heels, they are bearing the weight of the entire body. This creates an extreme amount of pressure on the toes and the balls of your feet. Your feet contain a huge number of bones and tendons which are put under a huge amount of pressure in heels, leading to foot pain from rolled ankles, tendonitis, ingrown toenails, and bunions.

There is cushioning at the bottom of your foot known as a fat pad. As you grow older, this wears down and becomes thinner. Wearing high heels routinely speeds this process up, creating foot pain at a younger age. However, there are steps you can take to protect the feet from injury and this kind of atrophy.

How Can You Protect the Feet?

If you are going to wear heels, opt for platforms or wedges which help to distribute more pressure around the foot than a stiletto. Wearing flats will always be a healthier option, but it is not always doable. You can also try orthotic inserts in the shoes and heels, as well. There are many kinds that can be custom-made to fit certain pairs of shoes. If you are commuting, wear running shoes or more supportive shoes on the commute before throwing on heels when you get into the office. This helps lessen the amount of time spent placing added pressure on your feet in a day.

If you are experiencing foot pain, trust Aquilar Foot Care Clinic to get you back up on your feet. Located in Russellville, AR, they provide treatment for ingrown toenails, Achilles pain, diabetic foot care, and flat feet. Call their board-certified podiatrist today at (479) 890-3668 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website to learn more about their practice.

3 Ways to Care for Dry Feet

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 19:26:56 GMT

1. Exfoliate

Moisture retention starts with exfoliation. In order to allow moisture to penetrate the skin, you have to remove thick, flaky skin. Using a hydrating exfoliant or sugar scrub, slough off dry skin cells on your heels, balls of your feet, and the pads of your toes.

Your heels may require extra attention as they are prone to overuse and can dry out more quickly than the rest of the foot. Using a pumis stone, continue to gently scrub off thick patches to reveal healthy skin.

2. Clean and Moisturize

Using a hydrating cream or milk-based cleanser, clean your freshly exfoliated feet. Avoid soaking them as it can actually dehydrate the skin further. Once out of the shower, immediately apply a moisturizer with ingredients like petrolatum, glycerin, shea butter, vitamin E, or jojoba to lock moisture in. Reapply moisturizer before bed to allow your feet extra hydration while you sleep.

3. Wear Soothing Socks

Although the weather is warm now, wearing the right socks can be a beneficial part of your foot care routine. Socks made of cotton or wool keep feet free of sweat and bacteria while locking in moisture. Not only do they protect your feet from rough surfaces, but they are naturally absorbent. Putting on a pair of cotton socks after moisturizing will amplify your night care hydration routine and leave you with softer, healthier feet.

Do your feet need some TLC for dryness and cracked heels? Turn to River Valley's Aquilar Foot Care Clinic in Russellville, AR. Led by board-certified podiatrist Danny J. Aquilar, this clinic provides quality foot care and lasting results for even the most complex podiatry issues. Dr. Aquilar treats patients from infancy to adults using industry-leading technology for everything from basic preventative care to extensive surgical treatments. To learn more about the many comprehensive services they offer, visit the website . To schedule an appointment, call (479) 890-3668 .