The perfect, pointy pair of stilettos can make any outfit trendy. But this style comes with several health issues.
We all know that comfort and stilettos do not go well together. Studies have shown that high heels are associated with several health issues affecting the spine, back, hips, knees, ankles, feet, and posture. Here are four risks that can be caused by wearing heels.
Back and Posture
Wearing high heels shoes cause you to lean forward, whereas the body’s response to that is to decrease the forward curve of your lower back to help keep you in line. This can lead to muscle overuse, back pain, cause flattening and displacement of the spine.
Anatomical Changes
Daily use of high heels can lead to changes in your anatomy. For example, stilettos put undue stress on the back and knees as the body’s weight shifts forward. Additionally, calve muscles can shorten, tendons may thicken, Spondylolisthesis or the slippage of one vertebra forward over another can result from wearing high heels.
Foraminal Stenosis
Daily use of high heels can cause Foraminal stenosis in the lower back that can cause back pains in addition to numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, spasms, cramping, and pain that radiates through the buttocks and down the legs. This can also cause Sciatica.
Here are some recommendations for things to consider if you will still be wearing high heels. Considering the following can drastically lower the adverse effects of wearing high heels without avoiding them together.
- Avoid wearing high heels for long periods
- Stretch leg muscles before and after putting them on
- Try and set your limits to two inches
- Don’t go for the pointed toe
- Buy a wide variety of shoes and vary your footwear day today