(Getty) Miranda Kerr's got the whole big-handbag thing nailed down, have you?
If you love high heels and large statement handbags but are worried about your posture, or are even suffering a little discomfort from your fashion choices, you're not alone! According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), lots of people are wearing shoes and purses that are placing strain on their joints and muscles.
"Large purses and briefcases can cause shoulder, neck, elbow, and back pain, and even serious injury," says AAOS spokeswoman Dr. Sara L. Edwards. "Wearing poorly fitting shoes, especially those with high heels, platforms, or pointed toes, can result in bunions, hammer toes, corns, knee, and lower back pain and other conditions. I've seen many women with ACL injuries from wearing wedge sandals and high heels."
Here are seven tips that will help prevent and ease pain and injury from your handbags and your shoes—do you practice sartorial safety?
1. Don't carry more than 10 percent of your body weight in your handbag. That means if you weight 150 pounds, please don't carry any more than 15 pounds around in that gorgeous shoulder bag you scored at the mall last weekend!
2. How to pack: The AAOS recommends placing heavier items lower and more centered in your handbag—to balance out the weight.
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3. Sorry, fashion kids—don't carry heavy bags in the crook of your elbow. Doing so can strain your elbow muscles and joints, the AAOS says. Instead, try carrying your bag over your shoulder, switching sides frequently, or find a cross-body bag that works for you.
4. If you walk a lot, limit your heel height. If you're planning on walking a lot or your commute involves going up and down a lot of steps, try not to wear a shoe that has more than a 2.25-inch heel.
5. The best time of day to try on shoes. The AAOS recommends trying on shoes at the end of the day because your feet swell during the day, whether you're standing or sitting.
6. The right-fitting shoes should: Leave a half inch between your longest toe and the end of the shoe, do not pinch or cramp your toes, and allow your toes to wiggle freely.
7. Go for shoes that lace or buckle. Shoes that have laces, buckles, or a strap usually provide more arch support than those without.
Do you practice any of these healthy tips for handbags and shoes? Tell us some of your favorite tips in the comments below!
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