PharmEasy Blog

How High Heels Affect the Body?

Sexy stilettos, pumps, wedges, or platforms- high heels are the only thing you want to be wearing when you step outside. However, be warned- wearing high heels extends an open invitation to a host of knee and ankle problems.Millions of women around the globe are happy to swallow anti-inflammatory drugs and walk around in pain rather than trade their favourite pair of heels with something more comfortable.Wearing heels is worse than living with arthritis. Now, this may sound a little extreme, but the fact is that heels do more damage than you think. Here’s how heels affect your entire body and why you should throw your heels for good.AnklesThe ankle joint bear the maximum weight of our body and are prone to wear and tear. Heels increase the pressure on the ankles by as much as 23%, thus accelerating their wear and tear. The cartilage on the ankles wears down faster due to the added weight on the ankles and makes us more susceptible to arthritis. Increased risk of arthritis is the single most crucial factor that should convince you to kick the heel-habit for good.PostureHuman posture has developed over thousands of years of evolution to help us walk upright, run, sprint, and climb. Heels limit the natural motion of our feet while walking and harm our posture.Back Our backbone is made up of linked vertebrae that allow us to bend and twist. Heels compress the vertebrae of the lower back, strain the back muscles, put our backs out of alignment, and lead to back pain.The Achilles tendonThe tendon that connects the calf muscle and heel bone, tends to shorten and stiffen with regular usage of heels. This causes pain when regular footwear is worn.Balls of the feet Heels may make you look tall and your legs sexy, but they bend your toes and feet into abnormal and unnatural position shifting your entire body weight and stress to the balls of the feet. They move the centre of gravity of your body to the balls of your feet and force the toes into a cramped space. This may cause painful conditions such as bunions, plantar fasciitis, and corns.Therefore, although wearing heels once in a blue moon may be unavoidable, but it is wise and prudent not to wear your heels to work every day.Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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