Dealing With Heel Pain if You Need to Wear High Heels All Day

Most foot specialists recommend ditching the high heels if you are struggling with heel pain, but if you work in certain professions, including retail work or professional dancing, you may find that you are required to wear high heels for long periods of time. Here are some tips to help you get through a long day in painful heels. 

Opt for platforms

If you need to wear big heels, it is a good idea to opt for platforms and make sure that the overall difference between the heel height and the ball of the feet is as low as possible. One way to do this is to opt for platform heels that have a higher platform and help give you extra height with less pressure on the heels. 

Pad the heels

If you are still experiencing heel pain, it is a good idea to pad the heels. This can include opting for models of heels that have a built-in air pad. You can also buy after-market gel inserts that help to absorb the stresses on the heel. It can be worth asking colleagues or a podiatrist for advice on the most supportive type of shoes that might suit your work place. 

Ditch the heels when you can

If you get a chance to sit down for small amounts of time (for example, while doing admin tasks or taking a break between dance sets) it is a good idea to ditch the heels—even if only for a few minutes. It can be a cool idea to keep a frozen water bottle that can be rolled under your feet during breaks to reduce swelling and pain.

Activate the core

Heel pain can often occur when there is an overall imbalance in the body. If you have a weak or inactive core, it is a good idea to work on ways to activate the core in order to minimise the stress on the lower back, hips and heels. If you do have a weak core, it can be worth pursuing some extra training, including pilates, to strengthen weak areas. 

If you need to wear high heels as part of your job and have recurring heel pain, you should see a podiatrist. They can help to give you some specific advice on shoes that will meet work requirements while helping to keep your feet as healthy and comfortable as possible, both at work and after work.  


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