Best feet forward
Just because flimsy footwear is back in favour doesn't mean it's necessarily good for your health
Without proper shoe support your body can be put under extra strain. And we all know about the perils of squeezing one's tootsies into fashion items that are just a wee bit too small.
Although the after-effects may be a bit of soreness or rubbing in the short-term - seemingly a minor inconvenience for the sake of looking gorgeous - your well-being could really end up feeling the pinch in the long-term.
Research reveals most women experience a little tightness in their footwear and some statistics suggest nine out of 10 buy shoes smaller than they should.
And with a substantial percentage of the fairer sex developing osteoarthritis by the time they hit 60, the finger of blame points firmly towards footwear as a contributing factor.
Although "sensible" shoes often leave a lot to be desired in the fashion stakes, avoiding stilettos for the most part and saving them for special occasions could help halt the development of painful problems such as bunions, corns and other deformities.
High heels are a great fashion accessory and emphasise the shape of the calves and bottom, but as far as feet are concerned, they're a disaster. They shorten the Achilles tendon, causing restriction in ankle movement, and jam the toes into the front of the shoe, which can cramp and deform them. We know there is a link between high-heeled shoes and foot disorders in some people and wearing high heels can also cause back pain - it may even be implicated in the increasing number of women developing osteoarthritis in the knee.
It's not all bad news though. Good quality trainers provide excellent support and can be trendy and stylish at the same time. When you go shopping, be sure to seek expert advice from a reputable supplier and spend as much as you can afford - the investment is well worth it.
"Flats", as made popular by the likes of Kate Moss, are a great way to add a feminine touch to your outfit too, without racking up the height.
Go for leather ballet-style pumps, which will allow your feet to breath in warmer weather, or go for flip-flops that stay securely in place, so you can walk properly without having to worry about them falling off.
Shock-absorbing insoles can be a shrewd buy for "fuller" styles of shoe, as can invisible "gel feet" for skimpier styles.
No matter how tempting that sale rail, don't start snapping up shoes just because they're cheap and pretty! If they don't do your feet any favours in terms of comfort and practicality, they're just not worth it, no matter how much cash you're saving.
A good fit of practical footwear is so important because we cram our feet into shoes that are too tight, too high or too pointed. As well as wearing the right footwear, there are other things we can do to help ensure we don't develop problems as the years go by.
If you're overweight, shedding a few pounds is a good way to ease the pressure on painful
feet. The foot is a complex system that works to distribute the weight of the body over different bones and joints. Too much pressure causes problems, so it's important to maintain an optimum weight.
Exercise is also important in keeping joints supple and the rest of the body healthy, but if your feet hurt it may be necessary to change the type of exercise you take. For example, swimming might be an alternative to higher impact activities like running.
Meanwhile, if your ankles feel stiff in the morning, allowing some time for the joints to "loosen up" will usually help. During the day try rotating them round in circles and alternate sitting and standing activities, to help take the pressure off your feet.
You don't have to look frumpy when taking care of your tootsies. Think of them as the foundations to your health and well-being and you'll soon see why it's so important to cherish them and treat them with the respect they deserve.
Although the after-effects may be a bit of soreness or rubbing in the short-term - seemingly a minor inconvenience for the sake of looking gorgeous - your well-being could really end up feeling the pinch in the long-term.
Research reveals most women experience a little tightness in their footwear and some statistics suggest nine out of 10 buy shoes smaller than they should.
And with a substantial percentage of the fairer sex developing osteoarthritis by the time they hit 60, the finger of blame points firmly towards footwear as a contributing factor.
Although "sensible" shoes often leave a lot to be desired in the fashion stakes, avoiding stilettos for the most part and saving them for special occasions could help halt the development of painful problems such as bunions, corns and other deformities.
High heels are a great fashion accessory and emphasise the shape of the calves and bottom, but as far as feet are concerned, they're a disaster. They shorten the Achilles tendon, causing restriction in ankle movement, and jam the toes into the front of the shoe, which can cramp and deform them. We know there is a link between high-heeled shoes and foot disorders in some people and wearing high heels can also cause back pain - it may even be implicated in the increasing number of women developing osteoarthritis in the knee.
It's not all bad news though. Good quality trainers provide excellent support and can be trendy and stylish at the same time. When you go shopping, be sure to seek expert advice from a reputable supplier and spend as much as you can afford - the investment is well worth it.
"Flats", as made popular by the likes of Kate Moss, are a great way to add a feminine touch to your outfit too, without racking up the height.
Go for leather ballet-style pumps, which will allow your feet to breath in warmer weather, or go for flip-flops that stay securely in place, so you can walk properly without having to worry about them falling off.
Shock-absorbing insoles can be a shrewd buy for "fuller" styles of shoe, as can invisible "gel feet" for skimpier styles.
No matter how tempting that sale rail, don't start snapping up shoes just because they're cheap and pretty! If they don't do your feet any favours in terms of comfort and practicality, they're just not worth it, no matter how much cash you're saving.
A good fit of practical footwear is so important because we cram our feet into shoes that are too tight, too high or too pointed. As well as wearing the right footwear, there are other things we can do to help ensure we don't develop problems as the years go by.
If you're overweight, shedding a few pounds is a good way to ease the pressure on painful
feet. The foot is a complex system that works to distribute the weight of the body over different bones and joints. Too much pressure causes problems, so it's important to maintain an optimum weight.
Exercise is also important in keeping joints supple and the rest of the body healthy, but if your feet hurt it may be necessary to change the type of exercise you take. For example, swimming might be an alternative to higher impact activities like running.
Meanwhile, if your ankles feel stiff in the morning, allowing some time for the joints to "loosen up" will usually help. During the day try rotating them round in circles and alternate sitting and standing activities, to help take the pressure off your feet.
You don't have to look frumpy when taking care of your tootsies. Think of them as the foundations to your health and well-being and you'll soon see why it's so important to cherish them and treat them with the respect they deserve.