For hundreds of years, high heels have been a major fashion statement. Although they are extremely stylish, many high heels are not designed to support the foot in a healthy manner. Anyone who wears a pair of high heels can tell you how painful they can make your feet feel after walking in them all day, but the damage a heel does goes deeper than that. High heels can hurt your feet, legs, posture and back.
Our feet are designed to be flat against the ground. The ground naturally keeps our feet firm and in the proper shape with the forefoot and heel planted firmly on the ground. Now that we wear shoes, our natural foot shape has changed over time. This is especially true with high heels. High heels make the feet feel as if they are constantly walking uphill which adds additional pressure. Constant uphill pressure can lead to pain and metatarsalgia. Other common risks are hammertoes and bunions.
High heels also change your center of gravity. They make your body lean unnaturally forward to compensate for the higher heel, and this overcompensation can cause the shortening of your calf muscles as well as very painful shin splints.
Your knees can also be affected by high heels and their extra pressure. When we walk in a typical manner, our knees do not constantly bend. With high heels, it has been shown with studies that the knees constantly bend. This constant pressure can lead to swelling, pain and osteoarthritis later on.
Because your center of gravity has changed due to high heels and the muscles begin to shorten, your back can become affected. When the lower back muscles are affected, you may experience painful spasms that make it hurt to walk.
High heels can be very detrimental to the health of your feet and your ankles. Not only can they hurt muscles in the body permanently, but they can also cause deformities of the feet. Instead of a pair of high heels, opt for a short-heeled wedge sandal. Not only are they fashionable, but they have less painful long-term effects to the body.
If you hurt your feet by wearing a pair of high heels, then it is time to call a podiatrist. Call Dr. Andrew H. Cohen, of Mid-Michigan Foot & Ankle Center, located in Saginaw and Bay City, Michigan. You can reach our office at 989-790-8009 or make an appointment online today. High heels do not have to cause you grief.