Are High Heels Hurting Your Feet?

 
In a recent Glamour.com article, Hoke points out that heels can be both painful and harmful. He offers four stretches to help alleviate foot pain after a day (or night) in your favorite stilettos:

Stretch #1: Roll your ankles.

Ankle rolls help minimize muscle cramping and shortening, says Hoke. Rotate each ankle clockwise and counter-clockwise several times.

 
Stretch #2: Roll the bottom of your foot over a soda can or tennis ball.
This helps release tension and prevent plantar fasciitis, says Hoke.
 
Stretch #3: Flex your toes.
"Flex your toes back and forth and give your heels a mini-massage," Hoke says. This helps counteract the cramped position your feet stay in when you're wearing heels.
 
Stretch #4: Stretch your calves.
Shortened calf muscles and Achilles tendons are a common downside to wearing heels often, so stretching them out is a must, says Hoke. Step one foot a few feet in front of the other, then bend into the front knee as you stretch your back heel toward the floor, lengthening and stretching the back of your calf, then switch sides. One note from Hoke: "A common mistake is to allow the arches to fall while stretching the calf muscle. It causes stress that can aggravate foot problems like plantar fasciitis."
 
If that happens to you, he recommends this alternate method: "Lift the arch in your back foot, place more weight on the outer three toes, and lift your big 'index' toe upward to raise the arch even more. Lean all your weight forward and hold for about 15 seconds on each side."

At the end of the day, slide into a pair of slippers with arch support to help naturally realign your feet from the ground up. If you simply can't kick your heel habit, there are healthier options. Vionic offers wedges, heels and heeled boots that provide the style you crave with the support your feet need.

 
About Vionic Footwear
Vionic footwear merges unparalleled biomechanical technology with versatile, modern design fit for every occasion. Developed by Phillip Vasyli, renowned Australian podiatrist and founder of Orthaheel® Technology, Vionic shoes help restore natural foot function and relieve heel pain, promoting a more active lifestyle. Vionic’s footwear and orthotic inserts are also endorsed by noted integrative medicine expert, Dr. Andrew Weil. With premium materials, artful construction and streamlined silhouettes, Vionic’s men’s and women’s collections provide standout style with exceptional comfort and functionality.
 
For additional information about Vionic, please visit VionicShoes.com.