My Life In High Heels

There was a time when my heels never touched the ground. They were often perched at least three inches above my toes. I'm not a tall person (just a smidgeon under 5'5") and, like so many women, I longed to be taller and leaner looking. Heels (the higher, the better) were the easiest way to achieve this look. My favorites were Candies (similiar to the ones in the photo). I loved my Candies so much that I even wore them in snowstorms (boots???? I don't need no stinkin' boots!!!). After my ankles begged and pleaded with me to give up my need for more height, I caved in (somewhere around early motherhood) and I've not looked back since. Today, high heels are still very much in style. In fact, the higher the better. It's not uncommon to find high heels as high as 7 or 8 inches in height. A 5 inch heel is considered somewhat middle-of-the road these days. In Japan, there was an epidemic of sprains and broken bones thanks to a craze of 10 inch heel shoes. Before you run out and buy them though, you should know that one can develop chronic orthopedic problems like hammertoes (unsightly and very painful), aches and pains from abnormal stress to the ankles, knees, hips and lower back and, most importantly, early onset of osetoarthritis to the knees. Many of these chronic conditions may eventually have to be remedied with surgery. If you must wear heels, one physician recommends wearing them around the house until you are certain you can walk relatively well in them before venturing outside. This will cut down on the possibility of a sprained or broken ankle. As for me, I've found an alternative with platform shoes which are far more comfortable and a lot less wear and tear on my feet. As for Jessica Simpson....someone please tell that girl her boots aren't made for walkin'!