Wearing high heels on a regular basis is, quite frankly, bad for your feet. High heels wedge your feet and toes into awkward positions that can have long term unhealthy effects. By wearing high heels, your body weight is unnaturally forced into a small area at the front of the shoe which squishes your toes together and, depending on how narrow the toe box is, can force your toes into a bent or clawed position. Over time, this can shorten your tendons and make your joints rigid. This dysfunction can lead to foot deformities such as hammertoes (permanently bent, or clawed toes) and bunions (a bony bump on the outside of the foot) that causes a misalignment in the big toe. Wearing high heels places the bones that connect your ankle with your toes (metatarsals) at a severe angle which, along with your body weight shifted forward, can lead to nerve damage and pain. High heels tighten and thicken your tendons. They may also shorten your calf muscles, causing discomfort and strain, and may lead to plantar fasciitis (heel pain). High heels change your center of gravity, which may lead to ankle instability and increase your chances of injury. If you are experiencing any condition or pain caused by wearing high heels, it is a good idea to contact your local podiatrist.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lansdowne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.