BALTIMORE -- Shoes can be a source of pleasure for many women, but the wrong shoe can create a foot problem or make one you already have worse, especially with heel heights reaching 5 or 6 inches, according to doctors.

Donna Hamilton Reports
Web Extra: Dr. Cerrato Interview

Dr. Rebecca Cerrato, an orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon at Mercy Medical Center, said she understands, and that most women can wear heels of some variation.

Cerrato said shorter heels are more comfortable and that when it comes to fit, it's not just your foot size, but also the shape that matters.

"If you know you have a very wide foot -- especially in the forefoot -- or if you have a narrow foot or higher arch, if you accommodate those in shoes, you can wear those more comfortably," she said.

She said to check out the toe box, the part of the shoe in which your forefoot will have to fit. She also said to check inside the shoe to see if it has a cushioned insole and arch support.

Cerrato said many people think that flat shoes are always comfortable, but sometimes it's not the case.

"This has no arch support," she said, pointing at a pair of flats. Cerrato said some flats have arch support and some don't. "It depends. These ballet shoes are notorious for very little support."

Cerrato suggested over-the-counter orthotic arch supports.

Susannah Siger, owner of Ma Petite Shoes, suggested if you think you like a shoe, flip it over and look at the bottom to see if the toe box is a good match to the width and length of your foot.

Both Siger and Cerrato suggested the use of gel pads in the shoe where the ball of your foot goes, as well as using little pads for the back of the heel.