Ladies this post is just for you, but guys, there is some good conversational pieces here for you as well, so listen closely.
As your local expert in Gainesville Training and Fitness, I want to be real with you for one minute. As an exercise physiologist who works with clients who have significant amounts of orthopedic dysfunctions, I feel that you should be adequately informed about a topic that is not given near enough attention.
I was at a social function the other night with a large group of people. While I was socializing, I noticed that most of the women were wearing heels higher than three inches. Look, I am a married man of nearly 8 years. I understand that high heels make women feel taller and sexy. I get it, and I can't deny them this. However, as I engaged in further conversation with the group, some questions arose regarding high heels.
Some of the responses were shocking to me, albeit typical. Being that I am an expert in biomechanics and kinesiology, I felt it remiss if I did not share with you the truth about high heels and the negative effects they cause on your body.
So are high heels a good thing or a bad thing when it comes to the body and injuries?
Simple enough question, but based on what current research shows, you will be amazed at what I found.
Reason #1 - High Heeled Shoes Create Twice the Force onto the Big Toe.
This is troubling on many different levels. Most importantly though, this means that if you have foot pain or injuries in your toes, wearing high heels will in fact make your condition worse. Take that another step forward and the wearing of high heels will also slow down the recovery process from said condition or pain.
Reason #2 - There is a Strong Chance that High Heeled Shoes WILL Lead to Knee Pain.
It was interesting to find that osteoarthritis of the knee is TWICE as common in women as men. One can't help but attribute this startling fact to the wearing of high heeled shoes by women. Researchers at Harvard noted the following in women wearing high heels (minimum 2").
- 23% increase across the patellofemoral joint (front of knee)
- 24% increase in medial compartment of the knee (trust me this is not good)
Do you suffer from chronic knee pain? You can more than likely thank you high heeled shoes for playing a large part in that.
Reason #3 - High Heels With a Small Toe Box Can Create or Aggravate Bunions.
High heels with a small toe box can create an undesired effect called hallux valgus. In laymen's terms, this is when your big toe curves toward your second toe. In some instances, I have noticed some of my clients second toe actually crossing over their big toe.
Over time the big toe will develop painful bunions, thus altering your gait cycle. Once your gait cycle is altered, many undesired effects can present themselves throughout your body, such as your knees, hips and lower back.
I hate to be the party crasher and the bearer of bad news, but the facts and research don't lie. Just remember this: No matter how good the shoe looks on you, is it truly going to be worth the physiological pain and discomfort it may cause?
Bottom line is this...
If you wish to wear your coveted high heel stilettos, be warned! Your feet will truly be suffering later.
Heels down, flats are IN!
What are some of the effects you notice from wearing high heeled shoes?
Please leave a comment below as I want to hear your story.
or better yet, go <<HERE>> to claim your totally free and no strings attached biomechanical gait analysis.
