If you are wondering how long will my toes be numb after wearing heels, we have got the answer.
Toe numbness after wearing heels may last for 3 to 4 days. It can also depend on some factors. If it worsens, seek medical help.Â
It is a fact that wearing heels is common for many women. They wear it to look professional, taller, match an outfit, or simply make a fashion statement.Â
However, wearing heels may place your feet in an awkward position, resulting in foot pain and other issues. You may feel numbness on your toes after wearing it.
What Causes Numb Toes After Wearing Heels?
A survey shows almost three-quarters of women wear high heels for different purposes. It is also reported that women wearing heels can feel pain in the ball of the foot.
A study also shows that wearing heels is the leading cause of foot pain.Â
So, why does your toe become numb after wearing heels? Your toes and feet contain nerves, blood vessels, and bones.
When the toes are jammed together in your heels, it can block circulation. It can create pins-and-needles, tingles, or lowers sensations.
How Long Will My Toes Be Numb After Wearing Heels?
Toe numbness after wearing heels can last about 3 to 4 days or more. Luckily, there are solutions to it. We will discuss it later, so read more.Â
Other Foot Problems That Can Be Caused by Wearing Heels
Aside from toe numbness, the following are other foot problems caused by wearing heels.
1. Bunions
Your heels can place pressure on the front of your foot, leading to a bunion on the joint that connects your foot to your big toe.
A bunion gets bigger with time making your big toe on the top of your adjacent toe.Â
2. Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis can also develop due to increased pressure on your heels as you wear heels. You can feel pain or a burning sensation on the bottom of your foot or your heel.Â
You may reduce the pain by applying ice, staying off your feet, using arch supports, or taking anti-inflammatory, non-steroidal drugs.
3. Calluses and corn
A callus on your foot sole or corn on the side or top of your toes can also be caused by wearing heels. The affected area becomes painful and thick. You can ask help from a podiatrist to cut away or pare the callus or corn.
4. Hammertoe
Heels can also add pressure to one or both joints in your other toes, which can bend them and lead to hammertoe. This foot problem may progress with time. If left untreated, hammertoe may need foot surgery.Â
5. Morton’s Neuroma
The development of Morton’s Neuroma is also associated with wearing heels. This foot problem can affect the ball of your foot, commonly between your third and fourth toes.
With this condition, you can experience a burning, sharp pain in the ball of your foot. In addition, your toes can also feel numb, burn, or sting.Â
How to Relieve Numb Toes After Wearing Heels?
The following are some ways to cure toe numbness after wearing heels:
1. Stretching your feet
As you stretch your feet, your toe numbness will be relieved. As you wear heels, your Achilles tendons and calf muscles become tight.
Regularly performing foot stretches can be good. Yoga can be the best option. You can also do simple motion exercises for your ankle to improve blood flow in your foot.
You can also draw an imaginary alphabet using your big toes to stretch your feet.
2. Moisturize your feet
If you have dry skin, the back of your heel can be sensitive to sores and blisters. It sometimes causes difficulty in walking. Regularly moisturize your feet using moisturizing creams.
3. Foot massage
A foot massage can help relieve discomfort and pain after you wear heels. It can prevent swelling of your feet and enhance blood flow.
4. Soak your feet in a mineral bath
Mineral foot baths like Epsom salt baths can relax your feet. Epsom salt is a mixture of magnesium and natural mineral sulfate.Â
The warm water is beneficial for dilating your foot’s blood vessels and opening your skin pores. It can relieve your numb toes after you wear heels.
5. Wearing comfortable shoes
You should wear comfortable shoes instead of wearing high heels. It is also helpful to wear low-heeled shoes to avoid toe numbness. You should rest your feet after wearing high heels.Â
6. Other treatments for numb toe after wearing heels
There are natural remedies to get rid of toe numbness. These include protective shoe pads, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy.
You can also prevent or relieve toe numbness after wearing heels through the following:
- Using arch support
- Wearing comfortable footwear with a low heel and comes with a cushion
- Reduce weight
- Wearing wide-toe box shoes
- Modify your daily activity
How To Avoid Toe Numbness When Wearing Heels
If you want to avoid toe numbness and foot discomfort after wearing heels, you can consider these tips:
- Wearing the best-fitting heels
- Prefer thicker heels instead of thin heels
- Choose footwear with proper cushion for your feet
- You can also prefer open-toe heels to relieve pressure on corns and calluses
- Check the heel slope; a gradual slop can make your feet comfortable
Conclusion
Wearing heels can be helpful in many ways; however, you should be careful since it can lead to toe numbness, foot pain, and discomfort.
You should wear comfortable shoes to avoid such foot problems. If you want to take a break from wearing heels, check our top picks for the best plantar fasciitis shoes.
