While we all love and admire a pair of high heels, they do take a toll on our knee and hip joints, according to research data. Recent study from the University of North Carolina, has linked the wearing of high heels with instability and weakening of the muscles of the ankle. Additionally, the chances of injury are greatly increased with prolonged wearing of high heels. That is why shoemakers are trying to solve this problem by designing footwear that has arch supports to help avoid any foot pain or injuries. You can read the related article here: https://shoeadviser.com/
Read on to know more about the effect of wearing high heels on the feet:
1. Effect on balance
According to experts at Patel Hospital Karachi, high heels do not give enough support to the feet. The height of the heels can result in an unequal distribution of weight that may trigger soreness, pain and inflammation in the lower back. When walking or standing on high heels, the mechanism of balance regulation is altered, and there is increased risk of musculoskeletal injuries and falls.
2. Foot pain
High heels with certain design and shape can induce foot pain. Standing on the feet for a long time in uncomfortable shoes can cause sharp pain in the foot, heels, sole or the arch.
3. Sprain in the ankle
As mentioned before, the risk of injuries to the ankle with high heels is increased many-fold due to their effect on balance, and the decreased ability to dorsiflex and plantarflex the foot. A fall or a slip in high heels over potholes or cobblestones can result in sprains of the ankle joint.
4. Spinal curve
High heels cause the lower back to arch out more than usual. In fact, the height of the heel is directly proportional to the curve of the spine. This awkward arch can result in pain and discomfort in the lower and upper spine. The wearing of high heels also decreases the ability of the spine to absorb shock, with compression of the vertebrae of lower back, and over-usage of the back muscles.
5. Weakness in ligaments
The ligaments in the feet are weakened as a result of constant pressure on them as seen when wearing high heels. To protect your feet from injury you should wear stilettos and pencil-heels less often, or opt for more stable heels.
6. Knee pain
Because high heels change the center of gravity during walking, there is more pressure on the knee and hip joints to maintain balance. Additionally, the awkward curvature of the leg in heels puts too much strain on the joint. The heels also cause the knees to stay bent most of the time, and turned inward. Consequently, there is increased risk of osteoarthritis in people who wear high heels frequently, and far earlier in life too.
7. Metatarsal pain
Pain in the metatarsal joints occurs when the entire body’s weight is placed on the ball of the foot. This can cause wearing away of the natural padding on the base of the foot and without this the walking in heels can become uncomfortable and painful. ‘Stiletto lifts’ are used by some healthcare providers to make walking and wearing shoes more comfortable. Seek help from Shalamar Hospital Lahore if you are suffering from similar foot conditions.
