Do you love the look of high heels but hate the harm they cause your feet? You are not alone!

According to a recent poll by the American Podiatric Medical Association, high heels cause pain in 71% of women who wear them by disrupting the natural form of their body causing low back, neck and shoulder pain.

Structurally, the plantar fascia in the foot is connected to the calf muscle, which in turn connects to the hamstring. The hamstrings attach to the pelvis and low back, which is why wearing high heels can make your back ache along with your feet. Also, walking on the balls of your feet will shift your center of gravity forward, forcing you to arch your back when you stand and further contributing to back pain.

Tips for Happier Feet & Form

If you’re not ready to part ways with high heels, follow these tips to keep your feet more comfortable.

• Choose a wide heel. Shoes with a wider, thicker heel

help spread your weight more evenly than narrow or

stiletto heels.

• Find the right size. Heels that are too big may cause

your foot to slide forward and put more pressure on

your toes. Shoes that are too small can constrict the

natural shape of the foot causing pain.

• Keep it low. Skip the three-inch stilettos and choose

shoes with a heel of two inches or less.

• Save space for your toes. Avoid pointy shoes that

cram toes together. Instead, choose shoes wide

enough to allow you to wiggle your toes.

• Reserve heels for special occasions. Wear high heels

to events where you won’t be standing or walking for

long periods.

• Make the switch. When you slip into high heels, don’t

wear them all day. Wear athletic shoes or flats for your

commute.

• Opt for insoles. This added cushioning helps protect

your knees.