The Impact of High Heels on Your Feet: Understanding the Risks and How to Mitigate Them
High heels are a timeless fashion statement, however, beneath their glamorous exterior lies a range of potential health issues. Understanding how high heels affect your feet is crucial for maintaining foot health and making smart footwear choices. Below, New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group explores the effects of high heels on your feet so you can try and steer clear of avoidable foot issues.
How High Heels Affect Your Feet
High heels alter the natural alignment of your feet, which can lead to various issues. Here’s a detailed look at the effects:
- Increased Pressure on the Forefoot: High heels shift your body weight forward, concentrating excessive pressure on the forefoot.
- Altered Foot Anatomy: Wearing high heels frequently can change the natural anatomy of your feet.
- Impaired Posture: High heels force your body into an unnatural posture, which can strain your back, hips, and knees. This misalignment can lead to chronic pain and discomfort.
- Reduced Foot Stability: The height and narrowness of high heels reduce the stability of your feet, increasing the risk of ankle sprains and falls.
Common Problems Associated with High Heels:
- Bunions: These are painful bumps that form at the base of the big toe. High heels exacerbate this condition by putting additional pressure on the toe joint.
- Plantar Fasciitis: The excessive strain on your feet from high heels can lead to inflammation of the plantar fascia, causing heel pain and discomfort.
- Hammertoes: Prolonged use of high heels can cause the toes to become bent and deformed, resulting in hammertoes.
- Calluses and Corns: The increased pressure on the forefoot can lead to the formation of thickened skin areas, such as calluses and corns, which can be painful and unsightly.
High heels, while fashionable, can have significant effects on your feet and overall health. For more tips when it comes to making the best choices for your feet, the team at New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group is here to help! With more than 30 locations, from Newark, NJ, to Cape May, NJ, we value convenience and excellent service for our patients. To schedule an appointment, first find a podiatrist in your area.
