For many years, high heels have been regarded as the ultimate symbol of sophistication. They give the wearer a power pose and make them feel sultry. However, prolonged use of heels can severely affect your health. And the damage goes beyond the feet.
Frequent wearing of heels shortens the calf muscles over time. This brings with it intense muscle pains. Your lower back is also strained since your centre of gravity is shifted forward, forcing you to straighten your back. Since your toes are compressed for long periods of time, your toenails are likely to get ingrown. If left unchecked it can lead to fungal infections.
When you walk in heels, you increase the weight placed on the knees. The resultant strain damages knee and hip joints, causing trapped nerves and fractures.
If you have bunions, consider going easy on the heels for a while. They only exacerbate the situation since the toes are pushed to the front of the shoes, and they rub against each other.
Another scary result of high shoes is osteoarthritis. The higher they are, the more your risk of getting this disease. Those 6 inch killer heels could indeed kill you.
So what should you do if you absolutely love heels? Well, start by limiting the time you spend in them. Take regular shoe breaks- wear flats whenever you can.
Make sure the fit is correct. Loose fitting heels give room for the feet to move, increasing the risk of an ankle or toenail injury.
Choose platform soles- these reduce the angle between the heel and ball of the foot. Thick heels distribute weight evenly across the foot.
At the end of the day, take time to stretch. Place a book that has a one-inch spine on the floor. Place your right foot’s ball on the book, keeping the heel on the ground. Bend forward at the waist and touch your toes. Hold the position for 30 seconds. Repeat with the left foot. Gradually increase the height of the book over the course of several weeks until you get to 3 inches.
