See more of the story

Q As a financial adviser, I like to look professional when meeting with clients. Because I'm very petite, I wear high heels. My problem is they make my feet, legs and back ache. How can I avoid the aches and pains?

A Like it or not, you need to lower the height of your heels.

Since you are petite, I assume your shoe size is fairly small. If that's the case, a heel height of 2 to 2 1/2 inches will appear high enough. In fact, it will be more in proportion to your height than heels that are 3 inches or taller.

Investing in quality shoes will help ease your aches and pains. Choose rubber soles, which are better for shock-absorbtion. Leather uppers, which conform better to the shape of your feet and breathe better, offer superior comfort to synthetics. They last longer, too.

And at the end of a day in heel, try doing stretching exercises to avoid the soreness.

ORLANDO SENTINEL