With the Christmas party season coming up we’ll soon be glammed up and slipping into our LBDs. But as you step into those leg lengthening killer high heels, spare a thought for your long suffering feet. With more parties than normal and the urge to throw as many Santa shapes on the dance floor as possible, the party season isn’t always kind to our tootsies. With this in mind, we asked leading foot and ankle consultants from www.fortiusclinic.com to share their about top ten foot care tips for Christmas
Increase cushioning
Go with a rubber-soled shoe over leather, because rubber is better able to absorb the increased pressures on the pads (Specialised skin under the Metatarsophalangeal joints) of the feet, which in turn puts pressure on the nerves in the feet.
Decrease toe crowding
Shop for shoes at the end of the day, when your foot is most swollen, rather than in the morning. Ask for a width measurement and aim for shoes that fit this. “Off the shelf” width fittings are often too narrow.
Improve ankle stability
Go for wider heels for more stability and load spreading. Wedges are stylish and are much sturdier than a stiletto which has a skinnier heel and more likely to cause ankle spraining.
Support your feet
Shoes with some form of strap provide more support than strapless shoes. This helps prevent the toes squeezing into the toe box and getting crowded.
Reduce the pressure on the ball of the foot
Buy only shoes with good padding at the balls of the foot and a gradual slope so the force is more evenly distributed over the foot. And a small arch helps too.
Best of both worlds
1 to 2 inch kitten heels are great as they give you the best of both worlds. Not too high but still show off calf muscles.
Reduce the time you are in heels
Wait until you get to the office to put your heels on. Minimizing the amount of time that you’re standing or walking will minimize the issues that come along with such an unnatural position of the foot. Yes and take them off when sitting if you can…it all reduces the time that the foot is under pressure and gives the delicate tissues a chance to recover…
Maintain flexibility
Keeping your feet and lower legs supple and strong is important too. A 30 sec daily / morning stretching programme can make all the difference. Toe stabilising exercises too, strengthens the joints and reduces clawing.
Wear insoles
Insoles can also help and they are now in modern materials such as carbon fibre, which are much thinner and should fit in the majority of your shoes.
See a foot specialist
If you have problems see a good foot specialist. There are some simple measures and exercises that can help prevent serious damage.
