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Foot fashion victims: The dangers of high heels and Ugg boots - 12/02/08

Most women love shoes and with the explosion in the fashion footwear industry (thanks mainly to Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik), the choice has become dazzling. With the range spanning from six-inch stilettos to silk ballet pumps, there’s no excuse for a girl’s feet to look dowdy on the streets.

However, foot studies being carried out by a number of organisations are proving that women are literally going to great pains to keep up with the fashionistas.

If wearing the latest fashion trend, whether it's flats or heels, you should protect your feet. Wearing pads and insoles can help reduce the pressure place on your feet and reduce foot injuries, shock absorption insoles can help to reduce impact, while gel toe pads can prevent bunions.

For increased support, wearing an orthopedic support, such as the Vulkan ankle strap, can provide a long term treatment for ankle injuries.

Fashion footwear is creating a number of painful foot conditions and sometimes permanently damaging the feet. It’s no surprise that the main culprit for damaging foot conditions are those sexy high heels. But, more surprisingly, the Ugg boot, the furry, cosy footwear favoured by WAGs across the land, can be just as hazardous.

Killer heels

A study carried out by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society found that 88 percent of women wear ill-fitting shoes. The research also found that a staggering 55 percent of women suffered from bunions, the structural deformity of the feet, mainly caused by forcing feet into high, pointed shoes.

With bunions, the tissues around the toe joints become swollen leading to the formation of a bump on the side of the big toe.

This condition was highlighted recently by some very unflattering snaps of Victoria Beckham’s bunion-ed feet wedged into a pair of glittery Roberto Cavalli heels.

It’s no surprise that nine times more women than men are affected by bunions. This condition can easily be prevented by choosing wide-fitted, sensible shoes. If you already have bunions and the idea of ditching your killer heels for a pair of leather clod-hoppers fills you with horror, all isn’t lost.

Shoe inserts can be used to relieve the pain. The Silipos Bunion Care Gel Sleeve is an excellent support that conform to the shape of the bunion, alleviating friction and pressure.

In more serious cases, surgery may be the answer. A six to eight week recovery period is expected from surgery and your feet will be much happier in no time.

Ugg boot bother

The innocuous looking furry boot, loved by celebs from Kate Moss to er..Jade Goody, has taken the fashion world by storm. With Ugg boot copies being sold in supermarkets for under a tenner, the boot has fast become a fashion staple.

However, as leading podiatrist Michael O’Neill, has highlighted, the boots are not as ‘sensible’ as they look. O’Neill says: “Ugg boots can cause a lowering of the arch, which can cause tendon strain.”

The condition Achilles tendonitis has become a common problem for Ugg boot wearers. The boots cause friction to the heel resulting in bruising and tenderness. People with flat feet are at particular risk from Ugg boots as they offer little or no support for flat arches.

If your Ugg Boots are causing you discomfort, don’t worry help is at hand. Firstly, ice should be placed on the affected area. The Vulkan Instant Ice Pack is excellent at reducing swelling. For long term support of the ankle joint while wearing Ugg boots you should try the Vulkan Ankle Support which will support the feet and ultimately reduce the pain.

If your shoes are giving your feet hell, it is advisable to visit your local podiatrist, to get advice on maintaining healthy feet without compromising your fashion sense.