الجمعة، 10 يناير 2014

Celebrate the Season in Style and Comfort

Expert Author Frank Stafford
The holidays are quickly approaching and with them we can expect ample opportunities to dress up and celebrate in style! However, for far too many holiday-celebrators, particularly the ladies, this may mean donning footwear that's just as painful as it is pretty. But while high fashion comes at a price, you shouldn't have to look festive at the cost of your foot health. Wearing uncomfortable, poorly-fitting shoes can exacerbate serious medical conditions like Morton's neuroma and bunions. Additionally, high heels can even lead to joint degeneration and osteoarthritis. But there's good news: you don't have to choose between comfort and style while picking shoes. If you're one of hundreds of women who would rather focus on friends and family than on a painful pair of shoes this holiday season, consider these fashion tips when growing your winter wardrobe.
Smart Shopping:
In a recently-published article, reputable podiatrist Elizabeth Kurtz DPM warns against shopping for shoes early in the day. The article points out how our feet tend to swell as the day progresses, meaning your feet swell to their largest size at night. Kurtz goes on to suggestt shopping at a major department store or full-service shoe sellers rather than boutique shops; Kurtz remarks "They tend to have an excellent selection of footwear in various sizes and widths". A bit of shoe shopping on the internet could save you some money, but you may not have the attention that you'd get from a seller who can find you a safe, comfortable pair on the spot.
Wear Some Riding Boots.
If you're attending a social event where the dress code is "dressy-casual," this is the perfect opportunity to show one of the classiest looks of the season: riding boots. These boots have little to no heel, meaning they're perfect comfort footwear. Even better, they're some of the most versatile shoes that you can find - they go excellently with everything from a jeans/sweater ensemble to your favorite evening dress and pea coat.
Narrow your search, not your footwear.
If you've ever worn a pair of heels with super-pointy toes, you certainly will not be surprised to learn that they can lead to the onset of hammertoes and bunions. This happens because shoes with narrow toes (as well as many with square or oval toes) contort the wearer's foot into an unnatural position. Variations with round toes are usually more comfortable and less damaging to your feet. For a stylish take on round toes, get a pair of ballet flats or Oxfords (both styles are available with additional arch support).
Bring Down the Height.
If you can't go without wearing your heels to a social gathering, see if you can find some that feature less than a 3-inch heel. Why? according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, three inch heels can put seven times more pressure on the balls of your feet than flats do. With too much wear, high shoes can cause foot inflammation, Morton's neuroma and even Achilles tendinitis. To prevent risks to your health, limit your heel wearing to a few hours at special occasions and make sure to sufficiently stretch your calves and feet after you've removed your shoes.
A proud SMU graduate, F. Stafford is an enthusiastic Mustangs football fan, and currently services the readers of his online political publication with accessible, practical budgeting advice. In addition to his financial expertise, Mr. Stafford also writes freelance for Dallas hand surgeons, home builders and attorneys across the Metroplex. He is currently the lead editor/contributor to The Capital Press.

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