7 Tips to Avoid Foot and Ankle Pain

From avoiding pointy pumps to embracing exercise, there are tips to having healthy, happy feet

Not surprisingly, women are four times more likel than men to have foot problems. The main culprit? Fashionable, but poor fitting, high-heeled shoes with narrow toe boxes.

Thankfully, every woman can take steps to reduce foot pain:

  • Maintain a moderate weight to avoid putting undue pressure on your feet.
  • Don't smoke. Smoking decreases the blood supply to your feet.
  • Exercise regularly. Exercising improves circulation, increases flexibility, and encourages both bone and muscle development.
  • Eat a nutritious diet. Pay particular attention to getting enough calcium and vitamin D, and limit caffeine consumption.
There are a few shoe-shopping strategies that may help you avoid purchasing ill-fitting shoes, such as:
  • Buy shoes late in the day when your feet are at their largest.
  • New shoes shouldn't require a "breaking in" period; they should feel comfortable immediately.
  • Avoid heels higher than 2 inches and shoes featuring pointed toes.
Resources at Cedars-Sinai


For more information on women's health matters, any of the programs and services listed, or a referral to a Cedars-Sinai physician or program, call 1-800-CEDARS-1 (1-800-233-2771)