With New York Fashion Week and London Fashion Week coming to an end, designers will be seen attending and presenting their shows with their hair pulled back and heels left in their closet for a more comfortable foot wear. One Designer, Anya Hindmarch attempted to comfortable revive her guests with bright and familiar objects, logos, but her models were also kept in sneakers and more comfortable shoes. Models walking down the runway in what resembled gymnastics leotards gave way to a more comfortable outlook of the week, one without blisters and calluses and other issues caused by the effects of high heels.

High heels have a history for causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center Richmond. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because they are associated with femininity. Despite their appeal, they can cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

What parts 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. Also, 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; you can buy either full inserts or metatarsal pads.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, VA. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about the effects of high heels.