A lifetime of wearing high heels can do more than make your legs appear longer and your clothes look better. They also can cause pressure, pain, and deformities to the feet. Most high-heeled shoes have pointy toe boxes which crunch the toes together. Add in a heel height of between 4 and 6 inches and the pressure that is put onto the ball of the foot multiplies. In addition, walking on high heels pulls the body out of alignment and forces the weight forward onto the already compromised metatarsals. The result may be metatarsalgia, an inflammation of the ball of the foot. The shape of the toe box itself can affect the big toe bone and lead to the formation of a bunion. It can also cause the middle joint of the second toe to curl unnaturally at the middle, forming a hammertoe. Other conditions that may result from long-term wearing of high heels are Achilles tendinopathy, Morton’s neuroma, stress fractures, and ankle pain. Wearing lower-heel shoes, or at least limiting the amount of walking or standing still in high heels, can help. For help with any painful foot problems that may have developed from wearing high heels, please consult a chiropodist.
High heels have been in style for centuries, but unfortunately, they have also been damaging feet for centuries. If you would like to learn more about how high heels can hurt your feet, please consult with Emily Yu, B.Sc from Uptown Foot Care Clinic. Our specialist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility.
High heels can cause a variety of problems, including:
- Foot and ankle pain
- Foot and ankle injuries
- Toe pain and deformities
- Gait abnormalities
- Achilles tendonitis
- Changes in posture
- Difficulty balancing
- Leg, hip, and back pain
If you are reluctant to abandon your high heels, you can still wear them, but should take measures to minimize damage to your feet:
- Wear shoes with heels no higher than 2 inches
- Choose properly fitted shoes
- Choose shoes with a wide toe box
- Wear high heels infrequently
- When wearing high heels, take them off periodically to stretch and relax your feet
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON .
