“I’m not afraid of heights. Have you seen my shoes?”
If you’re a Carrie Bradshaw fan, you’re probably familiar with that quote. What Carrie doesn’t mention, though, is that high heels are more harmful to the health of regular wearers than one may think.
According to NBC News, high heels are one of the most common causes of foot pain among women. Wearing high heels forces your ankles to bend forward, like you're standing on your tip toes. It restricts blood circulation in your lower limbs which can lead to spider veins. It can also shorten the muscles in your calves and stiffen your Achilles tendon, leading to pain and muscle spasms. And don’t forget about your knees. According to a study from Stanford University, heels that are 3.5 inches or higher put enough stress on a woman’s knees that it could increase the risk of osteoarthritis. Heels can also cause back problems. For your body to stay balanced on heels, your spine needs to sway unnaturally, which adds stress to the muscles in your spine. This results in a sore lower back.
If you’re a high heel wearer and are experiencing some of the above issues, perhaps it is a good idea to see your physician before they get worse. To avoid such issues, NBC advises decreasing the amount of days you wear heels — or change into flats or walking shoes when you leave work. At the end of each day, spend a few minutes stretching your quads, calves and hip flexors. After all, fashion doesn't have to be painful.
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