Page 22 - Florida Sentinel 2-16-18

Health
Pump Bump
Whether they're sky- high or mid-heel, this style is notorious for causing a painful knot on the
back of the heel. The rigid material presses on a bony deformity some women have called a "pump bump." The pressure leads to blisters, swelling, bursitis, even pain in the Achilles tendon. Ice, orthotics, and heel pads may provide pain relief – along with better shoes. The bony protrusion is permanent.
Stilettos
Although all high heels can cause prob- lems, the ultra narrow heels of stilettos are particularly risky. "The weight is pinpointed on one area, making you wobble like you're walking on stilts." The result is that you're more likely to trip and sprain your ankle.
Go Low
Switching to lower heels will help you avoid problems with the metatarsal bones. The lower you go, the more natural your foot position will be. Brenner recommends choos- ing heels that are no more than 2 inches high -- and even those should be worn in moderation.
Chunky Heels Help
A chunky heel has more surface area and distributes your weight more evenly. This makes the feet much more sta- ble when compared to stilettos or spindle heels. Although thick high heels can still put stress on the ball of the foot, they may reduce the tripping hazard by minimizing un- steadiness.
Culprit: Ultra-High Heels
"Heels are getting higher and higher," says Hillary Brenner, DPM. "We podia- trists like to call it shoe-icide." Brenner, a spokeswoman for the American Podiatric Medical Association, says ultra-high heels can lead to everything from ankle sprains to chronic pain. Let's take a closer look at
the heights, styles, and woes of today's footwear.
Unnatural Foot Position
Ultra-high heels force the feet into a position that puts stress on the ball of the foot. At this critical joint, the long metatarsal bones meet the pea-shaped sesamoid bones, and the toe bones (phalanges). Too much pressure can inflame these bones or the nerves that surround them. Chronic stress to the foot bones can even lead to hairline fractures.
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