Many women enjoy wearing high-heeled shoes. They’re undeniably fashionable, and they’ve become synonymous with what’s considered “feminine” attire. But are you really willing to trade your foot health for fashion?
At Ohio Foot and Ankle Center, we provide the full range of diagnostic and treatment services for both common and unusual podiatric conditions. But while Aaron Chokan, DPM, and Kristina Minniti, DPM, love welcoming new patients to the practice, they’re equally pleased when people listen to their advice and avoid foot health problems altogether.
That’s especially true when it comes to problems associated with footwear. You have choices when it comes to the shoes you wear, and the results of those choices can lead you to seek out professional podiatry services that might have been avoided.
So, let’s talk about high-heeled shoes, one of the most damaging footwear choices you can make.
Your feet are designed to carry your body's weight in a very specific way. The distribution of that weight is important, and altering it can lead to serious problems not only in your foot mechanics but also in other areas of your body, including your knees and hips.
When you walk or stand in high heels, some of your body weight shifts forward over your toes. Because of the angle that high heels create, it’s nearly impossible to remove that pressure on the arches, balls, and toes of your feet. That’s because your knees and hips absorb extra pressure when your weight shifts forward.
When you’re wearing heels, your posture changes to help you stay balanced. Your body tilts forward, and you unconsciously lean backward and arch your back to compensate.
This altered posture is one of the effects that society deems appealing in women who wear high heels. But it’s also undeniably harmful to your feet and the rest of your body. Over time, the changes you make in how you stand and walk while wearing high heels can cause problems in other joints and lead to lower back pain.
Anyone who’s spent some time wearing heels understands the sensation of taking them off at the end of a long day. In most instances, heels lack sufficient toe box room. This narrowed space, combined with the front portion of the foot being forced forward, creates a great deal of pressure on your toes and the ball of your foot.
This can cause corns, blisters, and calluses. It can also lead to neuromas and bunions. One way to think about it is that the tradeoff might be wearing alluring shoes that hide unsightly feet.
If you’ve already begun to experience any of the issues discussed above, the team at Ohio Foot and Ankle Center can perform a thorough foot exam and discuss treatment options. In many cases, changing your footwear can prevent problems from worsening and can sometimes restore optimal foot health without invasive treatments. Just reach out to one of our offices in Canton, Stow, or Rittman, Ohio, online or by phone to schedule a visit.
