A ball, stilettos and Morton’s neuroma — what do these three have in common?
“A ball, stilettos and morning exercise – a physiotherapy journey from
Drizella and Anastasia to healthy feet”
Author: Adrian Miler, physiotherapist, Doctor of Health Sciences
Dear Ladies,
In the fairytale of Cinderella, the ball and glass stilettos are used as symbols of dreams and transformation. In the real world a night at the ballroom is often associated with stilettos which are both a symbol of elegance but may be a source ofpain and discomfort. Then, is there any way to combine magical atmosphere of a ball and feet care?
1. Drizella and Anastasia Syndrome, also known as Morton’s neuroma
In fairytales, the magic pumps fit the girls’ feet perfectly. In real life, wearing incorrectly fitted stilettos for a long time might result in problems, such as Morton’s neuroma. This manifests itself in pain in the front of your foot felt between the second and third toe.
2. Loads resulting from wearing stilettos
The stilettos could exert a massive load on the front of the foot. Long-term wearing of high-heeled shoes causes a shift of your body weight to the front which results in an increase pressure on toes and metatarsus, leading to pain, swelling, and even deformation.
3. Physiology fun fact
Did you know that the amount of pressure on your feet in a stiletto is comparable to a weight of heavy backpack? At times, the pressure acting on the instep might raise up to several hundred kilograms per square centimetre.
4. Morning exercise routine for your feet after a ball
The ball is over, stilettos are back on the shoe rack or in the box and the prince…is probably already gone. Whatever the case may be, your feet deserve some special care in the morning. Here are some exercises to help you take care of your feet after a night of dancing on high heels.
Rolling Ball – a massage using a small ball
Get yourself a small, hard ball, a tennis ball is ideal. Sit down, place your foot on the ball and move delicately from toes to heel and back. It is a great massage to stimulate circulation.
Toe Yoga – just what it says on the tin
Sit down comfortably and try to move each toe individually. This might be challenging at first but you’ll get there with time and eventually regain flexibility and control of your toes.
Stretching Star
Stand on one leg, raise the other leg to the front, to the back and to the sides to delicately stretch foot muscles. Do this like a ballerina, with grace and delicacy.
Heel Raises
Stand straight and slowly raise on your toes, keep your balance and then slowly go down. This strengthens your calf muscles and feet arch.
Towel Scrunch
Place a small towel on the floor, sit down and try to roll the towel with your toes. This strengthens your midsole’s muscles.
Ankle Rolls
Sit down and raise one leg. Draw small circles in the air by slowly moving your ankle. Change the leg and repeat. This improves flexibility and range of movement of your ankles.
Remember! Exercising regularly may help significantly in keeping your feet healthy, especially if you wear stilettos often. It is worth taking care of your feet to be able to go back to the dance floor next time!
Invitation
Do you feel pain or discomfort? Or you just want to know more about feet care? Then come to my office. Get professional care and tailor-made therapeutic programs.
Please register for a consult and therapy at Gizińscy Medical Center in Bydgoszcz.
Make every ball only a source of beautiful memories and no feet pains!
Best regards and best wishes for the health of your feet,
M.D. Adrian Miler
