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?
I love my heels! However... I'm 22 and can already feel my body slouching forward while wearing them. It is almost like a balancing act sometimes. Although, I have to say, after wearing heels from 9-5, 5 days a week, it feels funny to get home and put on flip flops or some other flat; I feel like I have ZERO support and walking on such a flat surface actually makes my legs more tense and buckle. I wouldn't give up my heels for anything!
Jenny824::
on Aug 03, 2010
I can't wear high heels for more than 30 minutes at a time and walking a lot...forget about that. I am only 21, but still they make my feet hurt. It is not worth it.
Beekah::
on Aug 11, 2010
I love wearing heels, I mean I don't that often but I love how they give me poise and they make my legs look good. I understand that if you were to wear them every day for years some health issues could arise, hence the saying, "Beauty is pain." I think it is safe to keep wearing heels but to remember that going a few days without won't be the end of the world.
stephaniepainter::
on Aug 17, 2010
I used to wear high heels everyday. Then because of them I had a bone spur start. A piece of my bone came off on the top of my foot from wearing high heels! It was so painful I had to have it removed! Since then I choose lower heels or flip flops... I have learned my lesson big time!
redshoesnob42::
on Aug 27, 2010
I have been wearing high heels almost every day since I was 12. Not going to stop now. Arthritis is going to come any way, so you may as well wear what you want. I'm over 40 and I work out and take care of myself. No body gets out alive, enjoy your shoes!
stargazer534::
on Aug 28, 2010
I totally agee, as I have foot issues, and need comfortale shoes, because of this, I love shoes, and I do want to feelcomfortable in whatever I do wear, and not risk n injury that might me with me for life!
vintagepurple::
on Sep 08, 2010
yeah you mayget arthritis but i also read a study high heels totally strangthen your vanginal muscles so really it all works out ;-)
