Posted on: Sun Journal
The
man of your dreams, a stunning dress and the most darling shoes to go with it -
you have everything you need to ensure your wedding is perfect in every way.
But at the end of your big day, will you be left with something less welcome
than beautiful memories? Will you be sporting sore - or possibly even injured -
feet?
"Brides
may think that aching feet at the end of their wedding day is just something
they'll have to put up with," said Dr. Jacqueline Sutera, a doctor of
podiatric medicine and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical
Association. "But while dancing the night away at the reception can tire
their feet, brides shouldn't end their big day with sore feet. The right shoe
choice can help protect them from foot pain."
Most
women consider comfort over style or price when selecting a shoe, according to
an APMA survey. Yet brides may be tempted to put looks over comfort, thinking
they'll wear their wedding shoes so briefly a little discomfort won't make a
difference. Wearing shoes that irritate your feet can cause long-term injury,
however, and make existing problems, like bunions or hammer toes, worse.
When
you're picking out wedding shoes, keep these tips from APMA in mind:
*
Lower heels are better. You may love how your legs look in those 5-inch
stilettos, but very high heels can put a lot of pressure on your feet and even
cause misalignment of the spine. If you know you'll be on your feet for hours
(and what bride isn't?), consider choosing a lower heel of no more than 2
inches.
*
Can't go without your very high heels? Consider keeping a second, lower-heeled
shoe on hand to slip on during down times. Wear your hot high heels for the
ceremony and photos, and switch to the more comfortable, practical (but still
pretty) lower heels for the reception.
*
Shoes with wide, rounded toes tend to be more comfortable. Pointed or tight
shoes pinch the toes into unnatural positions, and can cause or contribute to a
number of foot problems. A good rule of thumb - if you can't wiggle your toes
in your shoes, they're too tight.
*
Opt for materials that have some "give." White patent leather pumps
may look great, but those satin shoes may actually be better for your feet if
they have a bit of stretch. Never wear plastic or vinyl shoes, which don't
allow feet to breathe.
*
Whatever shoe material you choose, the shoe itself should have a flexible sole
that allows your toes to bend naturally when you walk, and have a rigid,
cushioned heel counter to keep your foot from slipping around inside the shoe.
Consider purchasing inserts for your shoes to help cushion the heels, arches, and
balls of your feet.
*
Don't buy a gorgeous but uncomfortable pair of shoes thinking you'll
"break them in." Any shoe you buy should be comfortable immediately,
and you probably won't want to wear them before the wedding day and risk
getting them scuffed or dirty. If it rubs or chafes in the store, time and wear
will not improve how the shoe feels.
*
Everyone's foot expands throughout the day, so go shoe shopping in the
afternoon when your feet are at their largest. Even if you plan a sunrise
wedding, choosing your wedding shoe based on your end-of-day size will help
ensure you get the best fit.
*
Flip-flops are a hot trend for brides, especially if you're marrying during
warm months. Flip-flops can be very comfortable; just be sure to choose the
right style. Flip-flops with soles that bend freely and twist easily offer no
support or stability. Look for a style that bends only at the ball of the foot,
and that provides arch support, cushioning the foot and providing stability.
The thong part of the shoe should be made of high-quality, soft leather to help
avoid blisters.
"Sore
feet should be the last thing on your mind on the biggest day of your
life," Sutera said. "Some wise choices in footwear can help brides
ensure their feet feel as great as they look on their wedding day." -- ARA
Content
Please call the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center office in
Las Vegas and the Henderson area anytime @702-878-2455
between Monday – Friday (9am to 5pm) and we would be happy to set up an
appointment for you. Please visit our
website @ www.FallCenter.com.
When pain or injury occurs, you deserve highly personalized
treatment using the most advanced techniques.
At the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center (FallCenter), you’ll enjoy an unsurpassed level of quality
care. Dr. Ricciardi, Dr. Shalev and Dr.
McLeod are proud to provide comprehensive solutions for all types of foot and
ankle problems.
Your quality care begins the minute you
arrive, as our staff greets you by name and answers your questions. Our team of foot and ankle specialists will
inspire your confidence and their genuine warmth and compassion will earn your
trust.
You’ll receive a prompt and thorough
assessment, including on-site diagnostic ultrasound and digital x-rays. Your treatment plan is designed to resolve
your condition without surgery whenever possible. When surgery is needed, your feet are in the
hands of leading physicians with expertise in the latest minimally invasive
techniques. As a result, you’ll be back
on your feet and back to your active life as quickly as possible.
Without proper treatment, an injury or
chronic condition can keep you from performing even the simplest everyday
tasks. To meet patients’ most critical
health needs, Dr. Ricciardi, Dr. Shalev and Dr. McLeod have developed the
following “Center of Excellence” treatment programs: Bunion Solutions, Heel
Pain, Diabetic Foot Care and Sports Performance Center.
