Women’s shoes do not come better than this: high heels. From the office to social functions to the red carpet; a woman’s closet is incomplete without a pair, or several, of high heels. But are high heels all class and glamour? They may look like loyalty on your feet, but the long-term health impact tells a different story.
Here are some health effects of your high heels that you need to be aware of:
- Joint Pains – High heels force your feet into an unusual position where they don’t rotate naturally as you walk. In addition, the shoes hardly absorb any shock. This exerts pressure on the ankles and knees causing pain. High heels also push your pelvis forward as you stand or walk, resulting in lower back pain.
- Callouses and Corns – Pointed toe high heels squash the toes into a tiny space and then add the bodyweight pressure when standing or walking. Over time, the rubbing on the toes cause the skin to harden and darken. Callouses and corns are such unsightly marks on the toes; you may have to think twice before wearing your strappy sandals.
- Ingrown Toenails – Isn’t it surprising that they opt to make pointed shoes while the end of your foot is largely straight? The pointed end squeezes your toes while the high heel make your foot slide forward. The toes are pressed against the sides of the shoes. The pressure divers the normal course of toenails causing them to grow into the flesh; an unsightly and painful condition.
- Imbalance – High heels concentrate the entire body weight on the balls of the feet. With time, the natural padding on the balls of your feet wears away causing discomfort and pain. The ankle is forced to take excessive pressure as it becomes the body’s fulcrum by default. The twisted ankle can easily twist or sprain causing injurious falls.
Inspite of these health risks, high heels are definitely here to stay. Here are some ways to wear your high heels safely:
- Wear platform heels that raise the toes near the level of the heel while still offering the look of high heels. This way the balls of the feet are not placed under excess pressure.
- Limit wearing time to just a few hours at a time. If an occasion calls for high heels, you can travel with comfortable low shoes and wear your heels at the venue. Also limit your activity while wearing them. If you have to dance, stand/walk for long, you’re better off in a different pair.
- Add cushioning pads to the heel or even the entire shoe. These pads are available in some shoe shops and serve to make the high heel wearing experience less strenuous.
- Exercise your feet after a long day in high heels. Place a tennis ball under each foot and roll it up and down to touch the entire length of the foot. This stretches the tendons and helps ease the strain.
These tips will help you look gorgeous in your high heels without endangering your health.