The Truth About High Heels
posted: Feb. 20, 2015.
Kanye West’s interruption of Beck’s acceptance speech was not the only memorable moment of the 2015 Grammy Awards. Madonna, the 56 year-old pop star, performed with Macklemore on an injured foot. She bruised a bone in her foot from dancing in high heels back in January. High heels are a very common source of both injury and chronic foot pain in women.
Reports show that between 37% and 69% of women wear high heels on a daily basis. While they are fashionable, it is no secret that heels are damaging to feet. The toes are forced into an unnatural position, putting excessive force on the ball of the foot. This leads to metatarsalgia (pain in the ball of the foot). Studies show an increase in force directed medially (toward the big toe in this case) with heel use as well, which is why high heels are one of the most common causes of bunions. The increase in arch height leads to plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain. The ankle is flexed toward the ground in an unnatural way, displacing the center of mass which in turn throws off knee and hip alignment as well.
The unnatural position of the ankles, knees, and hips can even lead to a change in the position of the spine. Think of it like a chain reaction. The foot and lower leg connect at the ankle, the upper and lower leg connects at the knee, and the upper leg and spine connect at the hip. This means that lordosis, a type of curvature of the lower spine, can result in chronic heel wearers. However, it is rare to develop an arched back of any significance due strictly to wearing high heels. A more common back issue is arthritis between the vertebrate. The added stress that heels puts on the lower back accelerates the formation of this arthritic change.
It is not only the joints that suffer. The muscles of the lower back must work harder, leading to muscle pains consistent with a good ole fashioned “back ache.” The leg and foot muscles experience a similar increase in stress. This overactive muscle activity leads to a higher energy cost when walking in heels. You will fatigue faster and experience lower amounts of energy on days spent in heels.
Lastly, walking (or dancing in Madonna’s case) in heels is less stable, which increases the risk for falls and injury. As a Podiatrist, I am specialized in foot and ankle pathology. While many would advise against wearing high heels all together, others understand they can be practically required for certain jobs.
Here at Cast A Foot Podiatry we will consult with you about proper shoe use and encourage anyone experiencing foot pain, especially for the avid wearer of high heels to call our Hempstead office today and make an appointment.