| Over the years, high heeled shoes continue to be a | | | | to instability and a major increase in ankle sprains |
| popular fashion trend. So popular, it is causing some | | | | result. An ankle sprain is caused from the twisting of |
| women to surgically alter their feet in order to fit into | | | | the ankle and results in a tear of the ligaments that |
| them. Even without this, there are health risks | | | | connect the foot and leg bones and stabilize the |
| associated with wearing high heels. | | | | ankle. When the heel is balancing on a narrow stiletto |
| 1. A high heeled shoe forces the posture into an | | | | heel, if the heel shifts outward slightly a sudden twist |
| unnatural position that significantly stresses the joints. | | | | may occur to sprain these ligaments. Swelling, bruising |
| The spine, which in flat shoes is reasonably straight, | | | | and pain will result. At worst, it is possible for the |
| forms more of an 'S' shape with the chest and lower | | | | ankle to fracture, a ligament can pull a piece of bone |
| back pushing forward and the hips pushed back. The | | | | off, or even a bone in the foot can break due to the |
| height of the heel also changes the amount of | | | | pull of a tendon. |
| weight on the forefoot. A 1-inch heel will increase the | | | | 5. High heels are enjoyed by most women because |
| pressure by 22%; a 2-inch heel by 57%; and a 3-inch | | | | they are "cute." They are narrow and are contoured |
| heel by 76%. This increased pressure puts the | | | | to make the foot look slender. The tight fit of many |
| forefoot at risk for injuries such as stress fractures, | | | | heels will force the toes to conform to its shape. The |
| bunions, and hammertoes. | | | | added pressure on the toes can exacerbate bunions |
| 2. Knee pain is common when high heels are involved. | | | | and hammertoes. The pressure of the shoe itself can |
| The heel height causes increased strain on the knee | | | | cause corns to form. Furthermore. The compression |
| joint and associated tendons. The quadriceps muscle | | | | of the metatarsal bones can cause pressure on the |
| group in the front of the thigh works harder, | | | | nerves that run between them. A Morton's neuroma, |
| increasing pressure on the kneecap by up to 26%. | | | | which is a growth and inflammation of the nerve, can |
| This can ultimately increase the incidence of | | | | form due to the pressure. Remember, a shoe is |
| osteoarthritis of the knee and quadriceps tendinitis. | | | | meant to fit the foot, not squeeze it relentlessly. |
| 3. When the heel is constantly elevated, the calf | | | | While the overall percentage of women wearing high |
| muscle and Achilles tendon can contract and shorten. | | | | heels daily has decreased, the percentage reporting |
| Wearing high heels habitually can result in a woman | | | | physical problems from wearing them has increased. |
| no longer able to tolerate a flat shoe. On occasion, | | | | This is likely due to the newer styles that have been |
| this can even require surgery to lengthen the Achilles | | | | introduced. Some have no choice but to wear the |
| tendon. Most often, however, this will increase the | | | | shoes for work, however comfort is a priority. Pain |
| chances of Achilles tendinitis or shin splints. | | | | should not be a price for style. Be sure to always |
| 4. The changes in posture and overall imbalance will | | | | wear a shoe that is right for your foot. Of course, if |
| lead to instability when walking and a resulting risk of | | | | the pain continues, be sure and visit your podiatrist. |
| ankle sprains. High heels, especially stilettos, will lead | | | | |