The female fashion world is not complete without those stylish high heels, as they create that excellent accentuation of the legs. For many fashionistas, high heels are a must have for showcasing an outstanding stylish appearance. But the use of heels can comes with some price to pay, and it would help to learn how high heels can impact your body.
For many persons, they move with the general motto for heels, “the higher the better.” Yes, high heels are awesome and in most cases, ladies can’t go wrong in a fashion setting with a splendid pair of high-heeled shoe. But a constant appearance in high heel can take a tool on your body, and result to serious foot issues.
How High Heels Does Affects the Body
From research conducted by the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association), women faces four times of foot problems as men. You can easily unravel this mystery and relate this problem to high heels, since over 71% of the women population reports that their feet gets hurt from wearing heeled shoes.
Thus, they constantly face challenges such as injuries on the Achilles, tendon-spine, forefoot and other parts of the body. Here are the following ways wearing high heels impacts on your body.
Affecting the Kneel
According to a study in 2014, published in the Journal of Orthopedic Research, there is an increased weight on the kneel caused by wearing high heels and this creates a strain on the knee joint. Conclusively, people who wear heels of 3.5 inches or more have greater chances of having osteoarthritis with time.
Straining and Twisting the Ankle
Some speculations relates the wearing of heels to strengthening the ankle but a report from the University of North Carolina states otherwise, as wearing heels for a long time can cause some damage to the ankle.
It is quite common for most persons wearing heels to be able to keep their balance, as you find the shoe making it quite tricky to stay balanced for an extended time. Thus, when it becomes quite difficult to maintain your balance, you can end up twisting your ankle and that can leave you in serious pain.
Pain Around the Ball of the Foot
Metatarsalgia or Foot-ball-pain is one of the commonest impacts you face from constantly wearing heels and it can leave your feet in a quite excruciating pain. Most persons who experiences such often feel this sharp or pain, and can also feel some numbness around that area.
Adverse Effect on the Spine
High heels often causes ladies to shift their body in a way to help them achieve balance and prevent them from falling. This change in body posture can ultimately lead to an adverse effect on the spine, as the C-curve changes shape and the thoracic and lumbar spine takes odd positions.
Bunions
High heels can often create pressure on the toes, mostly on the big toes and even make it bend towards the second toe. This painful activity can cause some painful bumps on that joint and soon after, this painful bump leads to the formation of a bunion on the feet.
How to Avoid or Recover from High Heel Injury
There are some activities and rules that can guide your while you wear high heels to help avoid or recover from injuries, such as:
Exercising
Ensure your get involved in some stretching and other exercises to help save your heels from the stress of wearing high heels for a long time. Yoga and other foot exercise would help take care of the calf muscle, Achilles tendon, and toes, preparing them ahead to withstand the impact of wearing heels once in a while.
Utilizing Commuter Shoes
These kind of shoes comes with a thick sole, an excellent shock absorbing feature, and a great arch support. Thus, they can prepare your feet and other parts of your body for hitting the road with your heels, as they offer great comfort while you give your feet a break.
Soften your Feet By Soaking in Water
One excellent way to avoid further injuries from wearing high heel is soaking them in warm water, and in most cases mixed with some beneficial essential oils. A few drops of peppermint oil or basil oil would enhance the recovery process and leave your feet soft. Get a bowl and empty some boiled water into it, add the essential oil, and soak your feet.
Opt-in for a Foot Massage
A fantastic foot massage can help keep your calves stretched out and the feet from the stress. Your feet would thank you if your go for a nice massage after wearing heels all day long. You can use the services of spas closest to you or make use of a yoga therapy ball, which you can roll your feet on at the slightest chance.
Staying Barefoot
If you are fond of wearing heels form time to time, it would help if you give your feet a break ad go barefoot at times to help them recover. Alternatively, a comfy slippers, sandals or sneakers would be of great help. During the cold season, you can also get some padded socks for extra cushion.
Caring for Wounds, Blisters, and Cuts
Some common injuries resulting from the wearing of heels are cuts and blisters, and it would be best if you treat them properly and let the feet to heal before returning to wear those heels. Start by washing wound surfaces, and disinfect them with hydrogen peroxide or alcohol before applying other suitable treatment products.
FAQ’s
What are the dangers of wearing high heels?
High heels increase the risk of lower back, hip, and knee problems. The Achilles tendon and calf muscles could alter shape when wearing heels two inches or higher. The Achilles tendon and calf muscles are stressed as the shoe heel pushes up the human heel.
Do high heels cause long term damage?
Wearing high heels on a regular basis can cause alignment issues in your back, which can cause damage to your ligaments, joints, and vertebral discs. Changes in your body are one of the long-term consequences of wearing high heels. Regular use of high heels can induce thickening of tendons and shortening of the calf muscles.
What should you do after wearing heels all day?
There are several options available, including walking barefoot, soaking your feet in water, and taking a spa treatment or foot massage. Put on a pair of comfortable flats if needs.
Conclusion
High heels are great and showcases a solid fashion appearance; thus, many ladies wear it for that formal trip to the office and various other events. However, there are various adverse effects that the wearing of heels causes to the body.
What does this mean for you?
It is quite crucial to learn more about high heel can impact your body and try reduce your use of heels. Nevertheless, you can also use some recovery tips mentioned in this article to help your feet through a few appearances in high heels.
