According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, there is an increase in the number of injuries associated with the use of high-heeled shoes & boots especially as winter approaches.
Basically, people are intended to walk in a heel-to-toe manner. Maintaining approximately a 90-degree angle of the foot to the ankle is ideal for going through the daily motions of walking and standing. Changing this desired configuration is what leads to slips, falls, and eventually casts and crutches for many women.
The Risk
Based on the number of accidents that women encounter when wearing high-heels, the injuries that can be sustained can range from a simple slip to broken bones.
It is important to understand that winter creates an additional risk because of the slippery nature of the ice that forms on the streets and pavement.
When a woman slips and losses her balance, there is a possibility that she can roll her ankles either inward or outward resulting in a break in the ankles.
On the other hand, if the ankle twists, she risks stretching or tearing the ligaments, leaving her with a sprained ankle. The possibility of having broken and sprained ankles at the same time is very real and dangerous.
Women wearing high-heels who slip on the ice can have broken metatarsals and toes aside from the break in the heels and ankles.
When this happens it is necessary to take steps to immediately reduce the swelling and prevent further pain and injury. Seek treatment from a healthcare provider to avoid long-term complications that may prevent you from walking.
Remaining Stylish and Safe
The instability caused by high-heels when combined with the slippery ice or snow aggravates the normal everyday risk. However, this does not mean that women can no longer be stylish, especially during the winter season.
Although not the healthiest choice in terms of footwear, women do not have to completely throw them out of their wardrobe. Here are some ways to make them safer.
Choose platform heels
High heels that are designed with a platform through the front of the sole preserves the high-heeled look but is safer because the balls of the feet including the heels are raised. This relieves the pressure on the balls of the feet, making the shoes or boots more comfortable and safer. Wedges & shoes with adjustable closures are aso safer than slip ons.
Limit the use
Make sure that you wear your high-heels for about three hours or so only. This not only extends the life of your shoes/boots but also protects your feet from the stress it creates. Your joints, toes, and back will thank you for this because it gives your feet and body time to relax and recuperate.
Customise the soles
One of the most sensible ways to make high-heeled boots safer is to scuff up its soles. This helps to create more traction between the sole of the heel and the pavement you walk or stand on thereby minimizing the risk of slippage. You can also buy adhesive rubber soles that stick to the sole of the heels for increased traction.
Use orthopaedic insoles
These insoles or pads are designed to provide more support that your high-heeled shoes/boots may lack. Thin gel insoles can work well with your heeled shoes/boots because they are relatively small and can easily slip into the shoes/boots without affecting their look while still delivering support where it counts, under the balls of your feet and along the entire length of the sole.
Stretch it out
Your feet that is, and not your boots. Being aware of how your feet feel goes a long way in protecting yourself against injury. Once you feel that your feet are sore and achy, immediately find a place where you can sit down, and roll your feet over a tennis ball or golf ball by applying minimal pressure. This helps relieve the tightness in your tendons and muscles to avoid potential injury.
As you can see, despite the notion that high-heels can be dangerous, especially in winter, there is still a way to remain safe and fashionable. Call into your nearest Foot Solutions store today, to see how we can help you to be safer & more stable in your high heels. Note: we can only work with shoes that are up to 3” in height, as anything over that alters your gait severely & compromises the wellbeing of your feet.
