The Potential Dangers of Wearing High Heels

Throughout the history of fashion, high heels has always been a symbol of an undeniable and alluring sex appeal, and a must for every fashionista. But it does have its own downside. Frequent wearing can lead to possibly permanent back, hip, knees, ankle pain, and other serious health problems. When you’re wearing heels, you’re increasing pressure on your forefoot which makes the rest of your body try to adapt in order to maintain that new balance. But the position of your body while wearing heels, is not the normal position, due to the lower part leaning forward, while upper part must lean back. Your hip flexor muscle also works harder as you walk, and your knees bends, in order to remain that balance.

When your hip flexor muscles are overused, your muscles will shorten and a contraction will thus result in the flattening of the lumbar/lower back spine. When a poor back alignment results, it will lead to back pain. Your decreased power in the muscle of your calf, could cause the shortening/contraction of the Achilles tendon, which would increase the pull that attaches to the back heel bone, causing the condition “Insertional Achilles Tendonitis”. The downward foot position also cause the foot to be turned to the outside, and the change line pull of the Achilles Tendon shall result in “Haglund’s deformity/Pump Bump.”

Heels that has a pointier toe, can especially cause damage in the toes. Prolonged wearing will lead to the toes being squished, and eventually overlapping. Knee Osteoarthritis is also something that is quite common in women, especially heel wearers. The position one is in while wearing heels, put a strong force on the inside of the knee, so if you already have Osteoarthritis it would be extremely wise to avoid heels altogether.

High heels may make you look good, but you won’t be looking so good after those problem happens!

For me personally, I rarely wear very high heels, and I don’t choose the ones that have extreme downward foot positions. The heels I wear have to be short (low-heel) ,thick, and platform-like. I’m a huge fan of thick plat-form boots and sandals! I really like wearing mary jane heels that are for kids as well, the feet are in flat position, and with a good thick heel. 