Why wearing high heels can be risky for your health

High heels have always been the type of footwear that most women love to wear. However, both orthopedist and podologist agree that long term use of them can create health consequences.

Many women have grown up thinking that beauty equates to pain, therefore it makes sense for some of them to use high heels even though it causes them pain. This concept is not only wrong, but it’s also dangerous for long term health. Heels and particularly beauty shouldn’t be painful much less unhealthy.

 Several studies, as well as women’s experience, have shown that wearing high heels, even if it’s done occasionally, can leave you with, as a minimum, pain in your feet which is absolutely unnecessary. 

Even though in the beginning high heels strengthen the muscles around the ankles, after 3 years of usage, high heels increased the risk of sprain’s injuries. 

Since high heels’ usage is in high demand many women don’t realize that often usage can debilitate their balance and over time it can make women prone to accidents such as losing balance as well as sprain injuries. 

Preventive Measures

It’s important to not only refrain from using high heels but also start exercising your feet and ankles to strengthen your muscles.

Exercises such as walking on the heel of your foot, or lifting the front side of your foot can help to reduce the pain and also, to avoid deformities such as lumps on your tiptoes.

Also, we recommend regular stretching of your calves since it can alleviate back pain from your high heels.

 Try this stretching routine whenever you can:

• Lay a book with a one-inch spine on the floor
• While standing, place the ball of your right foot on the book and rest your heel on the ground. 
• Bend forward at the waist and try to grab the toes on the book. (If you need to bend your knees while doing it, it’s ok)
• Hold for 30 seconds.
• Switch feet. Repeat. 

Also, to avoid sprains and fractures try these exercises to improve your stability while wearing high heels: 

•  If possible, wear a lower heel height. The higher the heel, the more unstable. 
• Consider a heel with a wider sole. The more narrow the heel, the more unstable
• Be cautious while wearing high heels in crowded conditions, when drinking alcohol as well as on uneven ground, wet surfaces and ice. 

Orthopedic Corner | Leon Mead MD Orthopedic Doctor | 730 Goodlette Road North, Suite 201  Naples Florida 34102 | Phone: (239) 262-1119