R&B sensation Ashanti's feet damaged by high heels
R+B sensation
The ONLY YOU hit-maker adores designer stilettos, but admits her love of the high life was affecting her ability to perform.
She says, "I have two bones in my foot which are growing out of place from wearing pointy shoes.
"It really hurts, so my doctor made me custom moulds for my shoes.
"Your feet get damaged when you wear heels every day."
Top tips from the Society for wearing high heels:
- Keep high heels for special occasions.
- Save backless high-heeled shoes for evening glamour. Backless shoes force your toes to claw as you walk, straining the muscles if worn over a long period.
- Calf stretches help to keep feet supple and keep a good range of movement. To stretch your calf and heel, stand facing a wall with feet hip width apart and slightly bent at the knee. Take one step forwards, and using your arms to lean against the wall, keep your leg in front bent and the leg behind straight. Both feet should be flat on the ground. Lean in towards the wall, as you do, you should feel your muscles stretching in your calf and heel. Hold and slowly return to a standing position. Do this with each leg about five times. Seek further help if you experience problems doing this exercise.
- Vary your heel heights from day to day, one-day wearing low heels, and the next day slightly higher heels.
- Vary shoe types.
- For everyday use, keep heel heights to about 1.5 inches.
- Consider wearing shoes with a strap or lace over the instep rather than slip-ons. This will help stop your foot sliding forward, a bit like a seatbelt in a car.
- See a podiatric physician for advice. To find one www.podiatrists.org
You bring your shoes with you for specific advice on footwear.
