{"id":334,"date":"2024-03-19T16:27:17","date_gmt":"2024-03-19T16:27:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/raymondnash.com\/patient-education\/docs\/podiatry\/caring-for-your-feet-312\/female-feet-326\/high-heels\/"},"modified":"2024-03-27T17:10:06","modified_gmt":"2024-03-27T17:10:06","slug":"high-heels-334","status":"publish","type":"docs","link":"https:\/\/www.raymondnash.com\/patient-education\/?docs=podiatry\/caring-for-your-feet-312\/female-feet-326\/high-heels-334","title":{"rendered":"High heels"},"content":{"rendered":"

Statistics show that high heels are one of the biggest factors leading to foot problems in women, with up to a third suffering permanent problems as a result of prolonged wear.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Why high heels can cause a problem<\/h2>\n

When you wear high heels (shoes with a heel two inches or higher), your foot slides forward in your shoe, forcing the toes into the unnatural shape of the shoe and redistributing your weight incorrectly. The increased weight on your toes causes your body to tilt forward, and to compensate, you lean backwards and overarch your back, creating a posture that can strain your knees, hips, and lower back. The change to the position of your spine puts pressure on nerves in the back and can cause sciatica, a condition where nerves become trapped, triggering pain and numbness as far down as the feet.<\/p>\n

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There are other effects, too.\u00a0 Over time, wearing high heels can shorten the muscles in your calves and in your back, leading to pain and muscle spasms. \u00a0Many women who wear high heels often suffer a shortening of the Achilles tendon, because once the heel is pointed upwards, it tightens up. Stretching it again or switching to flats can be very painful. It can even lead to\u00a0plantar fasciitis.<\/p>\n

All this doesn\u2019t mean you have to give up wearing heels.\u00a0 But, to minimise the chance of injury over time, you are advised to:<\/p>\n