pump foot

something you’d see in a cheesy horror movie. But actually, it’s all about those pesky little problems we get with our feet, especially if you’re a fan of, well, pumps. Those gorgeous, sometimes torturous, high heels.

For me, “pump foot” isn’t a single, terrifying thing. It’s more like a catch-all phrase for a bunch of different foot woes that seem to pop up when I’m rocking those killer stilettos. We’re talking blisters, bunions (oh, the bunions!), corns, and that dreaded… ahem… Haglund’s deformity.

Now, Haglund’s deformity. Fancy name, right? Basically, it’s a bony bump on the back of your heel. Think of it as a little extra bone that decided to show up uninvited. And guess what? It loves to rub against the back of your pumps. It’s like a tiny, bony bully picking a fight with your already-suffering heel. The result? Pain, redness, and general grumpiness. I’ve been there. Let me tell you, those “pump bumps” are not fun.

I remember one particularly bad day. I was wearing these gorgeous emerald green pumps to a work event. They were stunning, absolutely stunning. But after a couple of hours, my heel was throbbing. I could feel that familiar burning sensation, the kind that makes you want to rip your shoes off and run barefoot through a field of wildflowers (which, let’s be honest, would probably end badly in heels or not). That’s when I knew – the pump bump was back with a vengeance. The emerald green pumps became my enemies for the night.

It’s not just Haglund’s deformity, though. Wearing pumps, even the most comfortable ones (and let’s be real, “comfortable pumps” is a bit of an oxymoron), can lead to a whole host of other problems. Blisters are a given. I’ve had blisters so bad I had to cut my shoes apart to get them off. I’m not proud of it, but it happened more times than I’d like to admit. Corns, those hardened patches of skin, are another common culprit. They’re like little, painful pebbles embedded in your foot, making even walking a painful task.

And let’s not forget the bunions. Oh, the bunions! Those bony bumps at the base of your big toe. Pumps seem to love to exacerbate these. They squeeze your toes together, making the bunion even more prominent and painful. I’ve experimented with bunion pads, toe separators – you name it, I’ve tried it. Some things work better than others, but let’s just say it’s a constant battle.

So, what’s a girl (or guy) to do? Well, it’s not always about ditching the pumps completely. Let’s be realistic; sometimes you just have to wear them. However, there are things we can do to mitigate the damage. Let’s look at a few strategies:

It’s all about finding a balance. Sometimes, it means accepting that there might be some discomfort involved in wearing certain shoes. Other times, it’s about being proactive and taking care of your feet. That means regular foot care, moisturizing lotions, and paying attention to early signs of problems. And, of course, choosing shoes wisely! Maybe it’s time to invest in some comfortable flats for those long days.

I’ve learned the hard way that ignoring those little aches and pains is never a good idea. Ignoring a blister can lead to a bigger, more painful problem. Ignoring a bump can lead to more discomfort and potential long-term issues. It’s all about listening to what your feet are telling you.

And, of course, consulting a podiatrist is always a good idea. They’re the foot experts, and they can provide tailored advice and treatment. They can also help diagnose any more serious conditions.

So, “pump foot” isn’t just some catchy phrase. It’s a reality for many of us who love the look and feel of heels. But with a little care, attention, and some smart choices, we can keep those feet happy and healthy, even when we’re rocking our favorite pumps.

What are your go-to tips for keeping your feet happy in heels? I’m always looking for new solutions!