The holiday season is in full swing and with it comes many get togethers, dinners, and parties. You searched high and low to find the perfect heel to complement your dress, but the thought of standing or dancing in them for hours is NOT exciting!
One problem every female who owns a pair of sparkly stilettos or shiny pumps experiences is how to wear them all day and still walk like a runway model! Fortunately, we here at Cornerstone Foot and Ankle have a few doctor approved tips to help you survive all that time on your toes!
To get you off on the right foot, here are some pointers to help you to sparkle and smile at the same time:
BEFORE the party:
The most important thing is to have enough break-in time in your heels prior to taking them out on the town. Wear your cozy winter socks or ski socks with your heels around the house for 2-3 hours a day for a week or so leading up to the event. The more time, the better. This will stretch them enough so your toes can breath and the shoes are not digging into your skin. Also if you have some sore spots that you find are getting irritated, cover those areas with moleskin or felt pad during the break-in period. This will prevent blisters in your already sore areas.
If your shoes are made of a material that will stretch, you can speed up the process by carefully blasting the tight areas with a blow dryer for a few seconds at a time while the shoes and the thick socks are on your feet.
DURING the party:
This may sound pretty obvious, but sit down as often as you can. Standing puts a lot of pressure on your toes and the balls of your feet, so give them as many breaks as you can!
Throw some band-aids in your bag. Small, skin toned ones are great for stopping a blister before it starts or for keeping your foot from slipping out of the back of the shoe.
Stash a pair of flats in your bag. Ones like these are compact and will fit in your clutch. If you have to, switch your shoes and get back on the dance floor. No one wants to be in pain instead of enjoying the fun!
AFTER the party:
Give your feet a break. Wear a pair of comfortable, supportive shoes around for the next few days to help your sore feet heal.
Stretch out your arches a little. While sitting, flex your toes towards you and away from you for a few seconds at a time. This will help loosen up those cramped muscles!
Life is more fun when you live it in moderation and that applies to your heels too.
Mix up your shoes by varying heel heights so you can give your muscles a break and prevent some damaging muscular changes that can lead to injuries.
If you experience pain or numbness that remains a few hours after taking off your heels, you should contact your podiatrist. Submit an Appointment Request at Cornerstone Foot and Ankle to have a doctor check out any problems you are experiencing.