I have 90-year-old feet.
At least that’s what my foot surgeon told me in 2004 when he opened me up to remove floating bone fragments from an old break, arthritic spurs and cysts around my ankle. I was told that I needed to get orthotics and treat my feet with more care.
Did I listen? Sort of.
I got properly fitted for running shoes that support my high arches and pronation, and I had orthotics made for everyday shoes—but quickly found that they didn’t fit into anything cute. The good doctor never said anything about high heels, so I felt that technically they were still fair game. Because, boy oh boy, I love my heels.
I subscribe to the Oprah School of Heel Wearing: I have my 15-minute heels and my two-hour heels. My 15-minute heels are sky-high creations of fabulosity that are designed for walking into a room, wowing a crowd and sitting my butt down for the rest of the night; my two-hour heels are rare gems (blessed be wedges and hidden platforms!) that are great for events where on-and-off mingling is required but chairs are in sight. There are few situations in which I can survive standing-room only occasions in heels.
What I hadn’t considered until recently is that not only do heels hurt my 90-year-old feet something fierce, but they may also be hurting my knees, hips, lower back and spine. I really, really like my 41-year-old knees, hips and back and want to take good care of them all, so I’m going to heed the Ontario Chiropractic Association’s advice (starting now):
- Shop for new shoes at the right time of day. Later in the day, your feet swell thanks to a combination of walking around on them and water-retention—and it’s even worse in the summer months. Be sure you try on potential new shoes in the evenings when your feet are at their worst to really test them for fit and comfort.
- Be prepared for long days (and nights). Your feet need you to use common sense. Do you have a conference to attend? Or are you planning a big night out dancing with your girlfriends? Consider putting padded cushions in the front of your shoes to provide added support on the balls of your feet, or perhaps bring a spare. I like Tieks ballet flats because they fold up small, come with a carry case, feel good and look great with everything. No, they don’t have arch support but they’ll provide instant relief after several hours in heels!
- Don’t let your heels take all the blame. Those gorgeous Louboutins aren’t the only possible culprit lurking in your shoe closet; ill-fitting running shoes or runners that don’t support your individual foot’s needs, and even rubber flip flops and sandals—neither of which usually have any arch support—can also do their share of damage to your joints and lower back. After my ankle surgery, I started buying my running shoes a specialty shop because their sales people are trained in basic gait assessment*. According to the Ontario Chiropractic Association, whether you have high or low arches reflects the type of shoe you need to ensure you have proper support. The top three things to keep in mind are the shape, construction and midsole. If you go into a store to buy runners and they don’t at least ask you to remove your own shoes and walk back and forth a couple of times, leave. If they can’t see what your feet need, then they can’t help you select the right shoe.
- Lever your body’s built-in shock absorbers. Also known as your arches. If you wet your feet and walk across the floor, do you see the entire outline of your foot, or just the heel and ball of your foot? If you see your whole foot, you have low arches and you definitely need to look for shoes with arch support.
- Watch out for wide loads. Er, I mean wide feet. I have seriously wide feet (we’re talking D/E width)—and my bunions don’t help. If you’re like me, you need to know that there are brands out there that offer wider widths, though you may have to go to specialty stores on occasion and they can be more expensive. Even running shoes come in wide widths!
*Keep in mind that a chiropractor is your best bet to properly assess your step and gait to recommend the ideal type of shoe for your stride. Visit www.chiropractic.on.ca find a local chiropractor if you don’t already have one, and for more information on bones, muscles, joints and the central nervous system.
Win stuff
Now that your dogs are barkin’, as my mother would say, how’d you like to win $100 worth of awesome stuff courtesy of the Ontario Chiropractic Association to keep your feet feeling fine? Comment on this post and tell us your best foot-health secret for your mandatory entry, and for a bonus entry, tweet a link to this post with something really catchy (don’t forget to leave room for the #CANwin hashtag). Just be sure to pop back here and share the URL of your tweet in the comments, too. This contest is open to Canadian residents only and ends July 31, 2016, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
DISCLAIMER: I was compensated for this post, and used several tips provided by the Ontario Chiropractic Association. However, all opinions expressed are my own.
Lisa McLain says
wear comfy shoes !
Lisa McLain says
wear comfy shoes !
Jo B says
Best advise for your feet is to change shoes during the day and to give them a good massage at night.
Jo B says
Best advise for your feet is to change shoes during the day and to give them a good massage at night.
Laurie W. says
My best tip is to give up high heels and wear comfortable shoes with good arch support.
Laurie W. says
My best tip is to give up high heels and wear comfortable shoes with good arch support.
Brandee H says
My tip is to keep a little pair of ballerina slippers in your purse, and slide the heels off as soon as you can. I also only wear the really high ones when I know I can sit! 🙂 And afterwards a soak in hot water, and a foot massage afterwards is key! 🙂
Brandee H says
My tip is to keep a little pair of ballerina slippers in your purse, and slide the heels off as soon as you can. I also only wear the really high ones when I know I can sit! 🙂 And afterwards a soak in hot water, and a foot massage afterwards is key! 🙂
Brandee H says
Tweeted:https://twitter.com/Brandeelh7/status/759911281822281728
Brandee H says
Tweeted:https://twitter.com/Brandeelh7/status/759911281822281728
Kim Hamilton says
lotion your feet before putting socks on at bedtime
Kim Hamilton says
lotion your feet before putting socks on at bedtime
maggin penney says
I really like this post! I do ankle streches and soak my feet but honestly, i just try to stay off them anyways. Because they always hurt!
maggin penney says
I really like this post! I do ankle streches and soak my feet but honestly, i just try to stay off them anyways. Because they always hurt!
nancy2880 says
https://twitter.com/TheNancy2880/status/759780148325584896
nancy2880 says
https://twitter.com/TheNancy2880/status/759780148325584896
nancy2880 says
Best tip is to wear comfortable shoes so that you don’t ruin your feet.
nancy2880 says
Best tip is to wear comfortable shoes so that you don’t ruin your feet.
Betty S says
https://twitter.com/Harriette106742/status/759704642561376256
Betty S says
https://twitter.com/Harriette106742/status/759704642561376256
Betty S says
One of my best tips is to wear comfortable shoes, with moderate heals and great arch supports. Shoes are a part of your wardrobe you need to concentrate on, its your foundation
Betty S says
One of my best tips is to wear comfortable shoes, with moderate heals and great arch supports. Shoes are a part of your wardrobe you need to concentrate on, its your foundation
aimee says
my best advice is to not buy cheap shoes. go for the birkenstocks
aimee says
my best advice is to not buy cheap shoes. go for the birkenstocks
binabug says
https://twitter.com/jackalJarrod/status/759500483853557761 thanks, and here’s my tweet
binabug says
https://twitter.com/jackalJarrod/status/759500483853557761 thanks, and here’s my tweet
binabug says
My best tip, is if it hurts, take the off!!!
binabug says
My best tip, is if it hurts, take the off!!!
KellyPC says
Gel insoles are life savers!
KellyPC says
Gel insoles are life savers!
kerrie says
Love that analogy of 15 minute heels and 2 hour heels! Genius! My feet hurt all the time since I had my twins – would love any of these to help out my poor feet!
kerrie says
Love that analogy of 15 minute heels and 2 hour heels! Genius! My feet hurt all the time since I had my twins – would love any of these to help out my poor feet!
Janet says
My foot health secret is to change your insoles every 3 months or so if you work on your feet all day. It really makes a difference.
Janet says
My foot health secret is to change your insoles every 3 months or so if you work on your feet all day. It really makes a difference.
monica says
Definitely to use supportive insoles, and try to give yourself a foot rub once in a while!
monica says
Definitely to use supportive insoles, and try to give yourself a foot rub once in a while!
lyndac1968 says
left a tweet https://twitter.com/lyndac68/status/757741701821767681
lyndac1968 says
left a tweet https://twitter.com/lyndac68/status/757741701821767681
Lisa says
I do my best to not wear heels if I can help it. But, alas, there are times when I must! Adult events like weddings warrant them, but my feet always fight back. lol I’ll definitely use your tips to help ease my pain for the next time. 🙂
Lisa says
I do my best to not wear heels if I can help it. But, alas, there are times when I must! Adult events like weddings warrant them, but my feet always fight back. lol I’ll definitely use your tips to help ease my pain for the next time. 🙂
Lara says
Get orthotics from a chiropodist or other qualified professional. The off the shelf kind are not meant to be a replacement for a custom fitted orthotic, and it will make a huge difference from your foot up to your spine if your ankle isn’t aligned properly.
Lara says
Get orthotics from a chiropodist or other qualified professional. The off the shelf kind are not meant to be a replacement for a custom fitted orthotic, and it will make a huge difference from your foot up to your spine if your ankle isn’t aligned properly.
Monique L.S. says
Wear comfortable and supportive shoes.
Monique L.S. says
Wear comfortable and supportive shoes.
suzi says
My best foot-health secret is, in the evenings, elevate your feet. It really does keep them from swelling (and if you are buying shoes, make sure you buy them at the end of the day when your feet are likely to be more swollen to ensure they’ll always fit!)
suzi says
My best foot-health secret is, in the evenings, elevate your feet. It really does keep them from swelling (and if you are buying shoes, make sure you buy them at the end of the day when your feet are likely to be more swollen to ensure they’ll always fit!)
loriag says
tweeted @loriagalbraith https://twitter.com/loriagalbraith/status/757278610965172225
loriag says
tweeted @loriagalbraith https://twitter.com/loriagalbraith/status/757278610965172225
loriag says
My bet tip is to take care of your feet you only get one pair! I like to lotion or oil the bottoms of my feet daily.
loriag says
My bet tip is to take care of your feet you only get one pair! I like to lotion or oil the bottoms of my feet daily.
Luminous Angel says
My best tip is one I used to do after a long shift being on my feet – lay on your bed and put your feet high up on the wall so that the blood drains out of them ;p
Luminous Angel says
My best tip is one I used to do after a long shift being on my feet – lay on your bed and put your feet high up on the wall so that the blood drains out of them ;p
beewbedard says
https://twitter.com/BeeWBedard/status/757046093557268480?lang=en
brendawitherspoon at hotmail dot com
beewbedard says
https://twitter.com/BeeWBedard/status/757046093557268480?lang=en
brendawitherspoon at hotmail dot com
beewbedard says
mine is to buy supportive shoes
brendawitherspoon at hotmail dot com
beewbedard says
mine is to buy supportive shoes
brendawitherspoon at hotmail dot com
Tabby72 says
My secret for foot health is to stretch my calves and feet every day to avoid plantar fasciitis.
Tabby72 says
My secret for foot health is to stretch my calves and feet every day to avoid plantar fasciitis.
Wanda Bergman says
Use a good quality foot lotion every night when you go to bed.
Wanda Bergman says
Use a good quality foot lotion every night when you go to bed.
missbobloblaw says
tweeted:
https://twitter.com/missbobloblaw/status/756778638146547712
missbobloblaw says
tweeted:
https://twitter.com/missbobloblaw/status/756778638146547712
missbobloblaw says
I have 2 tried & true tips:
1: break in your shoes before you wear them out to an event. Wear them around the house.
2: use moleskin on your feet where the shoes have rubbing contact (like the back of your heels) to cut down on blisters!
missbobloblaw says
I have 2 tried & true tips:
1: break in your shoes before you wear them out to an event. Wear them around the house.
2: use moleskin on your feet where the shoes have rubbing contact (like the back of your heels) to cut down on blisters!
Nicole says
I wear proper fitting shoes & use orthotics.
Nicole says
I wear proper fitting shoes & use orthotics.
DebP says
I use foot cream and wear cotton socks over it overnight. Works like a charm.
DebP says
I use foot cream and wear cotton socks over it overnight. Works like a charm.
Heather Swanson says
every night I put my feet up on a pillow to prevent swelling
Heather Swanson says
every night I put my feet up on a pillow to prevent swelling
Edith Rennes says
My best tip is to keep your feet raised when resting…if possible.
Edith Rennes says
My best tip is to keep your feet raised when resting…if possible.
piroska says
My best tip is to keep feet dry, by using baby powder.
piroska says
My best tip is to keep feet dry, by using baby powder.
SACHIKO says
My best foot health secret is to apply Foot cream.
SACHIKO says
My best foot health secret is to apply Foot cream.
Sandi Tymchuk says
I use petroleum jelly to keep moisture in my skin, after showering.
Sandi Tymchuk says
I use petroleum jelly to keep moisture in my skin, after showering.
Robyn Bellefleur says
I also tweeted: https://twitter.com/sharklady71/status/756604034426036224
Robyn Bellefleur says
I also tweeted: https://twitter.com/sharklady71/status/756604034426036224
Robyn Bellefleur says
I apply moisturizing foot cream to my feet after every shower and before going to bed at night. It keeps my feet really soft.
Robyn Bellefleur says
I apply moisturizing foot cream to my feet after every shower and before going to bed at night. It keeps my feet really soft.
Stephanie D says
I make sure to have good arch support in my shoes and I pamper them by moisturizing every night!
Stephanie D says
I make sure to have good arch support in my shoes and I pamper them by moisturizing every night!
surinder gurm says
With two fractured ankles and wearing air boots for over 7 weeks my puppies need major help, using Vaseline right now
surinder gurm says
With two fractured ankles and wearing air boots for over 7 weeks my puppies need major help, using Vaseline right now
Wendy hutton says
I tweeted https://twitter.com/wghutton/status/756549846702624768
Wendy hutton says
I tweeted https://twitter.com/wghutton/status/756549846702624768
Wendy hutton says
I use a foot bath when my feet get too dry and nightly I put on foot cream
Wendy hutton says
I use a foot bath when my feet get too dry and nightly I put on foot cream
Alison Braidwood says
I tend wear comfy shoes, and always make sure they have good arch supports.
Alison Braidwood says
I tend wear comfy shoes, and always make sure they have good arch supports.
alexa says
so may days when i could have used this
alexa says
so may days when i could have used this
Janine a says
https://twitter.com/tofeelalive/status/756518929409929216
Janine a says
https://twitter.com/tofeelalive/status/756518929409929216
Janine a says
OU! I would love to win this!!
Janine a says
OU! I would love to win this!!
Gracie Mc says
I put moisturizer on my feet every night before bed. It keeps the skin healthy and I also give my feet a mini massage at the same time!
Gracie Mc says
I put moisturizer on my feet every night before bed. It keeps the skin healthy and I also give my feet a mini massage at the same time!
SarahJ says
My bonus tweet https://twitter.com/SarahFe60201169/status/756496095878926336
SarahJ says
My bonus tweet https://twitter.com/SarahFe60201169/status/756496095878926336
SarahJ says
In the winter I put a good moisturizer on at bed and wear socks. It locks in the hydration.
SarahJ says
In the winter I put a good moisturizer on at bed and wear socks. It locks in the hydration.
kim says
I buy supportive shoes.
kim says
I buy supportive shoes.
sara kirkham says
regular foot massages
sara kirkham says
regular foot massages
Kim K says
Twitter Bonus – https://twitter.com/canadacontest/status/756334182498988032
Kim K says
Twitter Bonus – https://twitter.com/canadacontest/status/756334182498988032
Kim K says
I recommend buying quality shoes only
Kim K says
I recommend buying quality shoes only
Melissa Greco says
My best feet tip is to moisture your feet/skin IMMEDIATELY after you come out of the shower. It keeps my feet much softer for longer
Melissa Greco says
My best feet tip is to moisture your feet/skin IMMEDIATELY after you come out of the shower. It keeps my feet much softer for longer
Jana M. Liu says
https://twitter.com/Sukki24/status/756241965407166466
Jana M. Liu says
https://twitter.com/Sukki24/status/756241965407166466
Jana M. Liu says
for me it is all about the foot massage….hey honey, wanna help me out? 😉 and of course trying to combine style with comfort (shoes that are still pretty but not impossibly harsh on my feet)
Jana M. Liu says
for me it is all about the foot massage….hey honey, wanna help me out? 😉 and of course trying to combine style with comfort (shoes that are still pretty but not impossibly harsh on my feet)
Lynn Clayton says
tweeted here is my link https://twitter.com/lynnbeanie2/status/756231874301669376
Lynn Clayton says
tweeted here is my link https://twitter.com/lynnbeanie2/status/756231874301669376
Lynn Clayton says
i recommend good shoes and a chiropracter i also message my feet daily
Lynn Clayton says
i recommend good shoes and a chiropracter i also message my feet daily
Cassey C says
My tweet https://twitter.com/cassey48/status/756230955631869952
Cassey C says
My tweet https://twitter.com/cassey48/status/756230955631869952
Cassey C says
Having a nice pair of custom made orthotics inside the shoe will lead to healthy and happy feet in the long run!
Cassey C says
Having a nice pair of custom made orthotics inside the shoe will lead to healthy and happy feet in the long run!
Nicolthepickle (@Nicolthepickle) says
Tweeted as well https://twitter.com/Nicolthepickle/status/756226935529758721
Nicolthepickle (@Nicolthepickle) says
Tweeted as well https://twitter.com/Nicolthepickle/status/756226935529758721
Nicolthepickle (@Nicolthepickle) says
I have wide feet too. My best tip is wear good socks. They make you much less likely to get chilblains in the winter.
Nicolthepickle (@Nicolthepickle) says
I have wide feet too. My best tip is wear good socks. They make you much less likely to get chilblains in the winter.
Alayne Langford says
https://twitter.com/AlayneLangford/status/756225904817364993
Alayne Langford says
https://twitter.com/AlayneLangford/status/756225904817364993
Alayne Langford says
I always say my dogs are barking! Then of course I have dogs so it draws confusion and my dogs get blamed for my tired old feet!! Whenever I buy new shoes, I try them on in the evening after walking or working all day or exactly that moment when my dogs are barking! ?
Alayne Langford says
To answer your question, when my dogs are barking I soak my feet in a warm foot bath with some Epsom salts!
Alayne Langford says
I always say my dogs are barking! Then of course I have dogs so it draws confusion and my dogs get blamed for my tired old feet!! Whenever I buy new shoes, I try them on in the evening after walking or working all day or exactly that moment when my dogs are barking! ?
Alayne Langford says
To answer your question, when my dogs are barking I soak my feet in a warm foot bath with some Epsom salts!
lisa bolduc says
get the best fitting shoes, and socks that are appropriate for the weather. you don’t want wool socks in the summer cause you feet will be sweating
lisa bolduc says
get the best fitting shoes, and socks that are appropriate for the weather. you don’t want wool socks in the summer cause you feet will be sweating
Florence C says
https://twitter.com/fossie55/status/756193638409990144
Florence C says
https://twitter.com/fossie55/status/756193638409990144
Florence C says
I use foot cream after I shower and I wear comfortable footwear.
Florence C says
I use foot cream after I shower and I wear comfortable footwear.
BlessedTA says
A comfortable shoes
BlessedTA says
A comfortable shoes
cottagebunny says
These are all great tips that I enjoyed reading for back & health.I try to remember to exercise my feet and toes by drawing the letters of the alphabet with each foot from A to Z.I find this really helps.I tweeted and shared and copied my tweet for you: https://twitter.com/wandaTracey/status/756160266144976897
Thanks so much for this !! 🙂
cottagebunny says
These are all great tips that I enjoyed reading for back & health.I try to remember to exercise my feet and toes by drawing the letters of the alphabet with each foot from A to Z.I find this really helps.I tweeted and shared and copied my tweet for you: https://twitter.com/wandaTracey/status/756160266144976897
Thanks so much for this !! 🙂
Brenda Penton says
For me the best thing I did was to get properly fitted for my shoe size. I was wearing shoes that were too big for me just to accommodate my wider feet.
Brenda Penton says
For me the best thing I did was to get properly fitted for my shoe size. I was wearing shoes that were too big for me just to accommodate my wider feet.
Courtney says
I use a foot cream every day to keep my heels from cracking
Courtney says
I use a foot cream every day to keep my heels from cracking
Cheryl Catherine Rafuse MacPhail says
I tweeted here- https://twitter.com/ccmp1974/status/756106497986273280 🙂
Cheryl Catherine Rafuse MacPhail says
I tweeted here- https://twitter.com/ccmp1974/status/756106497986273280 🙂
Cheryl Catherine Rafuse MacPhail says
My best foot-health secret is to treat yourself to a pedicure a couple times a year!! Even for men they are amazing and make my feet feel so wonderful!! 🙂
Cheryl Catherine Rafuse MacPhail says
My best foot-health secret is to treat yourself to a pedicure a couple times a year!! Even for men they are amazing and make my feet feel so wonderful!! 🙂
Elizabeth R says
My tip is to exfoliate weekly and massage in rich foot cream daily.
Elizabeth R says
My tip is to exfoliate weekly and massage in rich foot cream daily.
Tracy says
I love love love my heels I probably have easy 40 pairs. My tip would be a good foot message with foot cream, exfoliate, moisturize and elevate when possible to get the blood flow going again.
Tracy says
I love love love my heels I probably have easy 40 pairs. My tip would be a good foot message with foot cream, exfoliate, moisturize and elevate when possible to get the blood flow going again.
margo b says
here is the link to my tweet https://twitter.com/MargosEntries/status/756096001853820929?lang=en
margo b says
here is the link to my tweet https://twitter.com/MargosEntries/status/756096001853820929?lang=en
Tara Betterley says
Here is my tweet
https://twitter.com/tkbetts/status/756088262016598020
Tara Betterley says
Here is my tweet
https://twitter.com/tkbetts/status/756088262016598020
Tara Betterley says
Wear shoes with good support. According to my chiropactor – my pumas just don’t have the proper support and that is one of the reasons why I am going once a month for treatment.
Tara Betterley says
Wear shoes with good support. According to my chiropactor – my pumas just don’t have the proper support and that is one of the reasons why I am going once a month for treatment.
Debbie Bashford says
It’s not just high heels that can damage your feet, I wore combat boots for 25 years and now I too have to wear orthotics too, and they are not cheap!
Debbie Bashford says
It’s not just high heels that can damage your feet, I wore combat boots for 25 years and now I too have to wear orthotics too, and they are not cheap!
Debbie Bashford says
I tweeted https://twitter.com/skeetersden/status/756086286348349440
Debbie Bashford says
I tweeted https://twitter.com/skeetersden/status/756086286348349440
Jennifer M says
Here’s a link to my tweet!
https://twitter.com/pennesthoughts/status/756082868590436352
Jennifer M says
Here’s a link to my tweet!
https://twitter.com/pennesthoughts/status/756082868590436352
Jennifer M says
I now have to wear orthotics after a stress fracture in my shin (it affected everything about my lower body) and I can’t go without them now. So, so long heels :(. I do, however, wear Birkenstocks in the summer (there are cute ones out there) and they provide great support too.
Jennifer M says
I now have to wear orthotics after a stress fracture in my shin (it affected everything about my lower body) and I can’t go without them now. So, so long heels :(. I do, however, wear Birkenstocks in the summer (there are cute ones out there) and they provide great support too.
Julia Gabriel says
I swear by epsom salt foot baths after a long day
Julia Gabriel says
I swear by epsom salt foot baths after a long day
bswilkins80 says
I know I need arch support; doesn’t mean I always do it 🙁
bswilkins80 says
I know I need arch support; doesn’t mean I always do it 🙁
edmontonjb says
My best foot health secret is to apply tons of lotion at night and then wear socks to bed. Your feet will be so soft in the morning!
~Jonnie
edmontonjb says
My best foot health secret is to apply tons of lotion at night and then wear socks to bed. Your feet will be so soft in the morning!
~Jonnie
Tainan Lu says
My best foot-health secret is massage
Mommy Gearest says
That’s a good one!
Tainan Lu says
My best foot-health secret is massage
Mommy Gearest says
That’s a good one!
lyndac1968 says
My Twitter Link https://twitter.com/lyndac68/status/755953106643460096
lyndac1968 says
My Twitter Link https://twitter.com/lyndac68/status/755953106643460096
lyndac1968 says
One of my tips is to keep blood flowing through your feet with periodic ankle flexes, toe wiggles, and calf stretches!!
Mommy Gearest says
Nice! Do those funny socks work, too?
lyndac1968 says
Of course!!
lyndac1968 says
One of my tips is to keep blood flowing through your feet with periodic ankle flexes, toe wiggles, and calf stretches!!
Mommy Gearest says
Nice! Do those funny socks work, too?
lyndac1968 says
Of course!!