While high heels are the bane of many Orthopedic Surgeon, they are part of the everyday life of most women. When worn regularly and not only on social occasions, the side effects of high heels are many. Read on to know how and why high heels can be bad for the bones:
Effect on walking
Walking in high heels is like walking on a balance beam. For navigation, working on elevations and inclines, the body has to overexert itself in balancing and precision. High heels force the body to walk on the tiptoes and risk damage to the connective tissue and the underlying bones.
Research shows that many women presented to the emergency rooms with high heel related injuries primarily including sprains of the feet, ankle strain, and foot injuries. Injuries are more common with very high pencil heels and shoes with pointy toes.
Effect on the back
In normal circumstances, the C-shaped curve of the back absorbs shock, and reduces the weight-bearing stress on the pelvis and vertebra. When someone wears high heels, it causes the lumbar spine of the lower back to flatten. This forces the thoracic spine in the upper middle back into a hyper curved position. In women who wear high heels every day, the pressure on the spine is released by leaning forwards. This poor alignment results in overuse of the back muscles and chronic backpain in the long run.
Effect on hips
The back pain is intensified by the effect of high heels on the hip flexors. These are the muscles located in the front of the thigh that lift the leg closer to the abdomen. When wearing heels, these muscles are constantly flexed and their persistent use can shorten and contract them. With time, the chronic use of these hip flexors flattens the lumbar spine contributing to hip and back pain.
Effect on knees
The wear and tear effect on the knees induces a condition called knee osteoarthritis. This condition is intensified with the use of high heels due to the persistent flexed position of the knee. For people already suffering from osteoarthritis, wearing high heels can worsen the condition, with accelerated inflammation and joint damage.
Effect on ankles
All high heels come with the risk of ankle sprains. The most common of these sprains is due to rolling on the outside of the foot—the lateral sprain. Lateral sprains stretch the ligament of the ankles more than normal; in severe cases, the ligament may tear, as well.
In addition, the calf muscles—gastrocnemius and soleus muscles are shortened, when one is wearing high heels. As the foot is propelled forward, the shortening of these muscles causes them to lose power and increase the risk of outward rolling of the foot and thus, ankle sprains.
Over time, wearing high heels causes shortening of the Achilles tendon where it attaches to the heel bone, causing its inflammation and pain. This condition is called Achilles tendonitis.
Effect on toes
Shoes with narrow toe boxes are really bad for the feet. They force the inner and outer toes together, fixing them in an abnormal position and causing a condition called hammertoe. In addition, wearing narrow shoes puts pressure on the skin, causes nerve damage, forms unsightly calluses, bunions, corns and blisters.
Measures for damage control
Despite the side effects, there are ways recommended by experts like Best Orthopedic Surgeon in Multan to wear high heels safely.
- High heel stretch
- Switch to shorter heels
- Go for performance pumps and chunky heels
- Get orthotic inserts for shoes with no arch support
- For height, opt for thick-soled fitted flops, that are approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association
- Wear shoes with a wider toe box
https://ialwaysbelievedinfutures.com/getting-influencers-on-board-with-your-brand/
https://ellenarnison.com/2021/12/7-ways-to-take-your-business-to-the-next-level.html
https://jakijellz.com/lifestyle/tips-for-beauty-start-ups-to-penetrate-the-market/
https://meanniebee.com/2021/12/07/3-tips-on-how-to-get-more-views-for-your-recipes-blog/
https://fivelittledoves.com/lifestyle/thinking-of-making-your-baking-and-crafts-a-business-tips-to-succeed/