Women have worn heels for many years, and they have now firmly established themselves in both Western and Indian wardrobes.
According to recent studies, up to one-third of women experience chronic health issues as a result of wearing high heels for an extended period of time.
According to a recent survey, one-third of the women who wear heels at least three days a week (one in 10) experience ongoing issues.
“Wearers of high heels experience altered gait patterns. Compared to those who regularly wear flat shoes, the average person who wears heels walks with shorter and more pronounced strides,” says orthopaedic surgeon Manan Vora.
“With habitual wearing of heels two inches (5cm) or higher, the Achilles tendon and calf muscles can face changes in shape. As the shoe heel pushes up the human heel, the Achilles tendon and calf muscles are facing increased pressure.
“The tendon may shorten, and the muscles can stiffen and reshape. This can occur in individuals who frequently wear heels, and can create pain in the body's lower extremities,” Vora adds.
If you are feeling the consequences of constantly wearing heels, Manan shares steps you can take to help combat the aching and discomfort. These suggestions can help to decrease the pain you are feeling from wearing high-heeled shoes.
- Change your shoe choice: Go for flat shoes, or shoes that provide more support and cushion.
- Switch up your exercise routine: Reduce frequent stress on your knees, hips and lower back while exercising. Rowing, swimming and the elliptical are low-impact types of exercises that are easier on your joints.
- Minimise the amount of days you wear heels: Try adding flats or wedges to your shoe selection.
- Go for a lower heel: Heels lower than 5cm put less pressure on joints.
- Stretch your calves before and after wearing heels: Allow yourself time for lunges or other calf-stretching methods.
- Place cushions in your shoes and heels: Make your shoe choices more comfortable for your feet.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when buying and wearing your favourite heels.
- Make sure you buy the right size that fits you well. Shoes that are too big can cause you to stumble or fall. Shoes that are too tight can cause pain.
- Some of us have narrow feet, others have wide feet, some have smaller toes, while others have longer ones.
There are so many variations. If you have wide feet, do not wear closed, tapered shoes, wear wide-front closed shoes or open-toe styles. Even those with smaller toes should opt for closed wide-front shoes.
Pointed-front shoes will pinch your toes. Heel-heeled shoes that cramp your toes will cause pain when walking and increase the possibility of getting bunions, corns and developing hammertoes and even arthritis later in life.
- Wearing heels puts more pressure on your feet, especially the balls of the feet. Before buying that coveted pair, check that they have proper padding and cushioning in the area that supports the balls of feet. High heels with excellent cushioning and padding provide great support and comfort to your feet.
- When choosing high heels, check where the heel is placed. The heel should ideally be placed under your own heel. Remember, thicker the heel, the greater the support it provides for your body.
Look for platforms that will distribute your weight across the entire foot evenly instead of concentrating it at the ball of the foot or the heel. Go for wider, thicker heels if you want to decrease the risk of sprained ankles.
High heels that are 3cm to 9cm high are the most comfortable to walk in. Heels higher than that put more pressure on your lower back, knees and ankles.
Give your feet a break. When wearing high heels, the best advice you can take to prevent pain is to sit down whenever possible! This will stop any pain or discomfort from building.
Don't wear high heels too often. They look fabulous, but save them for special occasions.