High heels - surely there is a way to ease the agony?!

[Feenie]

I am 43. Bit of a die hard goth, and I love high heeled boots. I used to wear them all the time, even to teach in, had a physio raise his eyebrows over my every day wear and a long standing knee injury (karate).

But I am old. I can't wear them for work, but would like to wear them when I go out (will accept kitten heel sandals in summer). But they kill, and I mean kill me. They hurt so much after just half an hour. I have gel filled sole inserts which help a bit, but God it hurts. Surely there must be a way to wear them? Does anyone have any secrets, or must I suffer/ditch them forever?!

Wear heels when there is absolutely minimal walking involved e.g. cab to a bar you know has no stairs and certain to get a seat, dinner at restaurant next door, back to bar, taxi home.

Weddings are a buggeration because heels can look better with certain outfits but there's so much standing. And dancing