I Wore Heels in My 20s and My Feet Are Paying the Price in My 40s

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In my younger years, particularly throughout my 20s and 30s, I was a devoted fan of high heels. Sleek stilettos were my go-to choice; I adored how they made my legs appear longer and my waist look slimmer. I wore them daily and couldn’t imagine ever donning a pair of flats. However, now that I’ve entered my 40s, I’m feeling the repercussions of those choices.

They say that turning 40 can bring a host of challenges. Your eyesight may decline, your body may start to crack, and you can experience pain in unexpected places. One morning, as I stepped out of bed, I placed one foot on the floor and as I lowered my other foot, I was hit with a searing pain that felt like nails driving into the bottom of my foot. I could barely stand and could only walk on my toes. The moment my heel touched the ground, the pain was unbearable. Naturally, I called my mom.

I dramatically recounted my situation to her, and her response was alarming. “Uh oh. That doesn’t sound good.” No kidding! She went on to say, “I’ve had that before; it sounds like plantar fasciitis.”

Right from the start, I disliked the term. It sounded unpleasant, and I had no desire to know more about it. She recommended that I contact her podiatrist and set an appointment.

Upon arriving at the podiatrist’s office, it was evident I was the youngest person there by about 40 years. It seemed the office was a hot spot for seniors sporting Velcro shoes. I anxiously wondered if I was destined for the same fate.

When the doctor called me in, he asked me to remove my shoes. He took my medical history and examined my foot, prompting me with a life-altering question: “Do you wear high heels?”

“Occasionally,” I replied, “but I mostly wear sneakers or flip-flops now that I have kids.”

“Did you wear high heels before kids?” he continued.

“Pretty much every day,” I admitted.

“Well, that’s your issue. Years of wearing heels have led to your plantar fasciitis. It’s quite common,” he explained.

He then scrutinized my trendy tennis shoes and deemed them unsupportive, worsening my condition. I was fitted with orthotics and sent away with a prescription for supportive footwear. Did you know that was even a thing? I sure didn’t.

At the shoe store, I met a pedorthist, a specialist in finding the right shoes to prevent future foot issues. She was thorough and incredibly helpful. I tried on various shoes and could immediately feel a difference in comfort. A few weeks later, my pain had nearly vanished thanks to the right footwear. The shoes I ended up with weren’t the most stylish, but they were a far cry from white Velcro sneakers. I considered it a victory.

Reflecting on how I damaged my feet, it’s clear that high heels played a significant role. According to Footdoc.org, high heels strain the foot’s arch and force it into an unnatural position, leading to tightening of the Achilles tendon and, ultimately, plantar fasciitis.

So, how can you prevent this condition?

Here are some recommendations from heelthatpain.org:

  1. Warm Up Before You Exercise: Stretching before workouts is essential to prevent injuries.
  2. Invest in Quality Footwear: While they might not be the trendiest shoes, supportive shoes can help prevent plantar fasciitis. Choose those that fit well and offer cushion.
  3. Accessorize Your Shoes Properly: Orthotics aren’t just for the elderly; they can help prevent foot issues for anyone.
  4. Choose Softer Surfaces for Running: Opt for tracks or groomed paths to reduce impact on your feet.
  5. Listen to Your Body: If your feet hurt, take things slow. Gradually increase your workout intensity to avoid injuries.

Keeping your feet healthy is crucial for your overall well-being. If you notice signs of plantar fasciitis, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor. They can provide stretches, shoe inserts, or even direct you to physical therapy. It’s worth it! Plus, there are stylish supportive shoes available today, so you don’t have to settle for those dreaded Velcro shoes unless you really want to match your grandma.

If you’re interested in more tips and insights on home insemination, check out this related post on Home Insemination Kit. For those looking into fertility options, Make a Mom is an authority on the subject. Additionally, for comprehensive information regarding IVF, visit Healthline.

Summary

Wearing high heels in my younger years has led to painful consequences in my 40s, including plantar fasciitis. After consulting a podiatrist and making changes to my footwear, I found relief. It’s essential to understand the impact of our choices on foot health and to prioritize supportive shoes.

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