According to a study conducted at the University of North Carolina, although high heels can strengthen your ankles in the short run, they can cause serious long-term damage. Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina Charlotte, Tricia Turner studied the effects of high heels on women using different seniority levels of flight attendants wearing high heels as an element of their uniform. The results showed that newer flight attendants had stronger ankles, but over time their ankles would resemble the senior attendant’s weaker ankles. This occurs because high heels raise the foot into an unstable position where the muscles and tendons in the ankle need to change and adapt to prevent injury.
High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet contact Dr. Marc R. Frankel of The Frankel Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Effects of High Heels on the Feet
High heels are popular shoes among women because they are associated with femininity. Despite their appeal, they can cause many health problems if worn too frequently.
What parts my body will be affected by high heels?
- Ankle Joints
- Achilles Tendon – may shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
- Balls of the Feet
- Knees – heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
- Back – they decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain. Also, the vertebrae of the lower back may compress.
What kinds of foot problems can develop from wearing high heels?
How can I still wear high heels and maintain foot health?
If you want to wear high-heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long-term physical problems. Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet. Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising. If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work. Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock; you can buy either full inserts or metatarsal pads.
We Treat High Heel Issues at Frankel Foot and Ankle.
Dr. Frankel founded Frankel Foot & Ankle to provide patients in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey tri-state area with the latest advances in diagnostic technology and treatment for sports medicine conditions, foot and ankle trauma response, and innovative surgical and regenerative approaches. Contact Frankel Foot & Ankle today. With offices in Middletown, NY, Warwick, NY, and Milford, PA we are the go-to podiatrist near you!
