Life can be full of choices that must be weighed against each other. Should you sleep in or commit to a morning run? Should you sample more of the food at the annual Bloomington Garlic Fest or deodorize for that night’s date? Or (and you might have seen this one coming) should you wear outrageous, head-turning shoes or opt for more sensible varieties that don’t risk heel pain? 
It’s not just high heels that can cause problems in the back of your feet, although they’re definitely a prime culprit. Most have rigid backs which can stress and irritate a small bony enlargement in the heel—a condition not-so-fondly referred to as “pump bump.” This irritation can in turn contribute to additional pains such as bursitis, blisters, and Achilles tendonitis. If you want some elevation, it’s better to stick to heels that are 2 inches or lower; and even then wear these in moderation.
It might seem sensible to go to the other extreme and wear ballet flats or flip-flops. Both varieties of shoes tend to be very lacking in arch support, which can place excessive strain on the foot and result in sharp heel pain from plantar fasciitis. If you absolutely must have to put your feet in these kinds of shoes, consider custom orthotics to provide the cushioning you need in your ballet flats, and sportier sandals or toning shoes as a more supportive alternative to flip-flops.
A little compromise can go a long way when it comes to your heels. While shoe trends are constantly changing, heel pain has a habit of sticking around for much, much longer. If you need help with painful heels or would like more advice on avoiding them, please give Dr. Kevin Powers in Bloomington a call at (812) 333-4422.
