Morton's Neuroma & Freiberg's Disease: Health Issues Caused by High Heels

The average woman stockpiles enough shoes to last her for life, yet she continues to buy more. This style and that color, matching purses and accessories. Where does it all end? Well, ladies, it ends on the surgeon's table when least expected. Young women in their forties are seeing a rise in chronic back conditions and shooting pains in their feet due to the life-long habit of wearing high heels. Elevating the heel is unnatural and causes rupturing in the lower spine, a shortened achilles tendon in the lower leg, and irreversible nerve damage. Ladies, you must learn to believe that you are good and perfect at the height you are.

The foot is not made to carry the body weight pushed forward into a shoe. But, rather, it's designed to roll from heel to toe with every step. This motion, when wearing correct shoes, acts as a shock absorber and keeps the spine in proper alignment. Most working women wear high heels five days a week. Such prolonged activity results in necrosis, or the tissue death in the area around the ball of the foot called Freiberg's Disease. Once the damage travels to the toes, nerve endings become hyper-sensitive, usually in the second or third toes, causing the painful and debilitating condition called Morton's neuroma. In advanced cases, surgery is necessary, but may eliminate all feeling in the foot. Prevention is the best medicine, and that starts with wearing proper shoes.

Fashion designers are the real culprit, enticing women to buy their latest runway wares. That's particularly disturbing as most of them are men and would never put their own foot into those mousetraps. They think nothing of sacrificing women's health so that they can make a buck. But, savvy women are on to this game, and comfortable, sensible shoes are now flooding the market.

Flat or low heeled shoes with rubber soles are the best for daily use. Old-fashioned flats with stiff soles are useless as they do not allow the foot it's natural rolling motion. The new, orthopedically correct styles are plentiful at department stores, but better savings can be had online. Try Amazon.com before scouting out at the mall. Discounts of up to 50% are available on certain selections.

For those who suffer now with Morton's neuroma, German manufacturers have developed the most comfortable insole that allows the nerves to relax in the shoe. Birkenstock makes everything from beach sandals to snow boots, and many of the styles are waterproof. This company is so confident in their product, that they offer a 30 year guarantee on any shoe. Another fine German company is Helle Comfort, who specializes in high-end evening wear shoes so beautiful, you would never know they're orthopedic. However, when ordering European shoes, be aware that the sizes are different. The websites will direct you to a fitting chart for American customers.

For a stylish look with firm metatarsal support, how about a Mary Jane? This popular style comes in every color and has the feel of a slip-on, but with a strap across the top of the foot for added security. Mary Janes start around $14.00 and average about $19.95 for office wear designs. Kohls.com is another bargain with Vera Wang flats for 40% off, and they will honor free shipping on orders over $75.

For a whimsical design with generous shock absorbing support, try the Berne Mev collection discounted at WhataPair.com. For more choices in aesthetic beauty, the Privo brand has an excellent assortment of casual and upscale office looks with best buys at Amazon.com. Other designers with wonderful collections are the ever-durable Geox, Birkinstocks, Sketchers, Ann klein, Keen Ballerina flats with protective rubber soles, Clark's Women's Impact Flats, and Croc's new line of business style shoes. All of these designers are available with discount from the following websites.

www.amazon.com
www.kohls.com
www.whatapair.com
www.shoes.com
www.zappos.com
www.hellecomfortdiscountshoes.com

Sources:

www.mayoclinic.com/health/mortons-neuroma/DS00468

www.arthritis-symptom.com/d-g/freibergs-disease.htm