The world has been in love with high heels for decades; stacked on a 4-6" heel lengthens the look of the leg, accents the calf muscle, and encases the foot in a decidedly delicious way.

The pin-up girl in World War II, Betty Grable, was saluting over her shoulder while perched on high-heeled pumps. Soldiers by the thousands fell in love; high heels were here to stay.

Having been deprived of the requisite 'model's height' of at least 5'8" (Kate Moss not withstanding), I still have a way of accentuating my-shorter-but-still-nice legs; and as far as I am concerned, the higher the better.

And as far as down time, you need foot pain relief that really works.

Mens' magazines love heels too; often a model is wearing heels...and nothing else. That's what I've heard anyway.

Women love the look of their legs in high heels; the pain, not so much. There are different reasons wearing high heels is painful, and there are specific problems specifically attributed to heels.

One problem is "pump bump"; a bump on the heel that is formed over time when the back of the shoe itrritates the back of the heel. It is also called a Haglund deformity. The bump itself is an inflamed bursa.

There are non-surgical interventions that include arch support, orthotics, exercise, and relief measures like icing and anti-inflammatory medications. It would be best to consult a podiatrist.

The second painful result from wearing hugh heels is pain in the ball of the foot; over time, wearing stilettos forces most of one's weight on the ball of the foot. The result is an erosion of natural foot padding, and the bones of the feet meet the floor without protection.

There is a great answer to this problem: foot pillows created with the injection of Sculptra, a polylactic acid that is safe for anyone. Its action is basically as an irritant which stimulates one's own growth of collagen.

Results of foot pillows are very effective and long lasting.