It’s the middle of the festive party season and from the outside, wearing high heels might look attractive. However, on closer inspection this is certainly not the case. Wearing high heels can cause pain during and after wearing, as well as the fact that long term use can lead to long term damage.
From studies, we know that:
The pressure on the metatarsals in your increases hugely while wearing heels. This increase in pressure can lead to the development of a Morton’s neuroma. Morton’s neuroma is an aggravation of the nerve at the metatarsals and can lead to pain and/or numbness.
Due to the narrow width of high heels, the risk of developing a hallux valgus, or bunion as it is more commonly known, is increased. This can lead to overall cramping in the foot as well as a deformation.
While wearing high heels, the Achilles tendon is left in a sustained shortened position. This can lead to an altering in your foot mechanics and may also make you more likely to develop acute injuries such as ankle sprains or calf tears.
Wearing heels also leads to an increase in pressure around the knee. In some cases up to as much as 26%. So if you suffer from knee pain, maybe you should leave the heels at home in the wardrobe!
With all this in mind, maybe we should all limit the amount of time we spend in high heels and give our feet some TLC!
If you are experiencing pain from wearing high heels contact one of our Chartered Physiotherapists at Archview Physiotherapy Clinic, Dublin 6 and Dublin 14 for a consultation on 01 4913228 or email [email protected].
