The next time you decide you just have to have that cute pair of high heel shoes you may want to consider the health risks. A new study that recently came out shows that women who wear high heels suffer from several types of health problems later in life.
NPR reports about the British study recently published in the Journal of Experimental Biology. Author of the study, Marco Narici, finds that women who wear high heels often experience “a 13 percent shortening of calf muscles and a marked thickening of the Achilles...” The condition is being related to the same way bed-ridden patients tend to get muscle-atrophy. With this condition, women who wore high heels throughout most of their adult life find it hard to stand flat on the floor without experiencing discomfort.
Biomechanics expert, Casey Kerrigan, believes women should toss the high heel shoes flat out. Kerrigan led a Harvard University study about high heels which found that the fashionable shoe is the cause of high rates of knee arthritis in older women. Kerrigan says, “It’s not worth it. We’re living long enough that all of us are going to get arthritis and anything you can do to minimize the severity is a good thing.” And if arthritis isn’t bad enough, heels can also be blamed for injuries like sprained ankles and conditions such as bunions, hammer-toes, and nerve damage.
But not every expert is demanding the shoe be trashed. Orthopedic surgeon, Donald Bohay, believes women can continue wearing high heels as long as they are not bigger than 2 inches. Bohay warns women to be sensible about their heels and not wear a shoe that is uncomfortable. Many believe following this advice may prove difficult when celebrities like Lady GaGa and famous models strut their stuff in massive stilettos.
What do you think of the latest research finding high heels to be detrimental to your health?
Will you continue wearing high heels even though they may cause damage later on?
If I have my choice, I'm probably not wearing shoes at all! But for going out? Low heels all the way.
I'm 5'1 and LOVE high heels when I get dressed up! I love the way it gives me a couple of inches and looks great! However, this is not meant for everyday wear, as we all know the painful compromise. All in moderation!
I have always looked at high heels as one of those silly, painful parts of fashion that were never meant for real women but somehow managed to become a phanomina. I don't understand it, high heels are insubstantal, painful, and aren't that cute anyway! And now there is even a study saying that high heels can cause you long-lasting PAIN!!! I can't believe that women still insist on wearing them! WHY BOTHER!!!
I have always loved the look of heals, but found them painful to wear. It doesn't surprise me that they are bad for your feet. More power to flat shoes.
i would wear them oncee in a whileee and only for a short period of time.
I wear heels when I am working, but I also wear flats. I enjoy wearing high heels
I suffer through the pain and wear the high heals. ;o)
I love love love love love High Heels.... But this study doesn't surprise me, I have worn heels almost every day since I was a freshman in high school... and now not even ten years later if I wear flats for too long my feet hurt. I always figured that it was because of ho often I do wear heels... but i still love then too much to give up
4 inch PLATFORMS - the perfect compromise!
i can't stand more then 15 minutes in high heals to tell you the truth. i guess its cause i have flat feet...no arch at all. having flat feet can also cause problems so i heard.
If I wear heals at all (which is hardly ever) I wear a lower heal. It's just not worth it.
I hate high heals and always have because they hurt I also really hate thong sandals. I knew that high heals must be horrible for you and turns out they are not really a surprize to me.