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Foot Pain- Fashion Victim

4,911 views · Published 24 November 2014 · 1:47 · Indexed 27 October 2026

Channel: Lee Health · 2014 · Science & Technology

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The holiday season is prime time to roll out your fanciest clothes, right down to the sky-high heels. But listen up ladies: doctors say you may not be dressing for success.

“If you have the predisposition to develop a bunion or hammertoes, wearing shoes that are not as supportive, it could actually progress it a little quicker,” says Dr. Andrew Belis, a podiatrist on medical staff of Lee Memorial Health System.

High-heeled pumps are notorious for the pump bum, a painful knot at the back of the heel. Ultra high heels shift your weight forward putting wear and tear on the balls of your feet, not to mention increasing ankle strains and sprains. And those pointy toes, they put feet in a stressful position.

“A pointy shoe that will push the toe over, that could potentially aggravate problems. When you change the way that your foot is functioning, let’s say in a higher heel, it does affect the mechanics a little more than if you wear a flatter shoe,” Dr. Belis says.

Supportive shoes can also be stylish - if you want happy feet - doctors suggest you swap the killer heels for ballet flats or sandals. And limit your time in stylish stilettos. While shoes don’t cause a foot deformity, wearing the right ones may slow problems and make you more comfortable.

“If you’re wearing more protective shoes, something with support in through the arch, it can actually slow the process down or at least minimize it,” says Dr. Belis. “Sometimes just a simple matter of wearing wider shoes, or more supportive shoes, can help most people.”

Severe bunions often need medical intervention:  injections for pain or surgery to restore proper positioning. Choosing the right shoe can help you avoid becoming a fashion victim. 

View More Health Matters video segments at leememorial.org/healthmatters/

Lee Memorial Health System in Fort Myers, FL is the largest network of medical care facilities in Southwest Florida and is highly respected for its expertise, innovation and quality of care. For nearly a century, we’ve been providing our community with everything from primary care treatment to highly specialized care services and robotic assisted surgeries.

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