Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
This week on "Healthwatch," we're discussing how things you do for your appearance can affect your health. In some ways, following fashion trends can cause pain or even damage.
About 90 percent of the people who have foot problems are women. Orthopaedic surgeons at UT Southwestern Medical Center say this is because of the fashionable, yet uncomfortable, shoes many women wear. High heels can cause foot and ankle problems when worn for extended periods of time. Cramming feet into pointy-toed shoes can cause painful foot deformities. If shoes don't fit well, the constant friction can cause corns and calluses.
UT Southwestern doctors suggest finding shoes with plenty of room for your toes. Heels shouldn't be higher than two inches. Go shoe shopping in the afternoon when your feet are slightly swollen so you'll get the most accurate and comfortable fit.
###
March 2005
Health Watch is heard Monday through Friday nationwide on the "Stardust" format of ABC Satellite Radio. Call your local radio station and ask if they carry the program.
