Why You Should Not Be Wearing Heels The Whole day
(Photo: Pixabay)

Heels are part of any woman’s wardrobe, but experts caution that they shouldn’t be worn all the time. New research show living in stilettos can cause more than just blisters. US experts discovered that as heels got higher, pressure on the inside of the knee increased. Over time, this could lead to joint degeneration and knee osteoarthritis. Wearing heels also alters body posture, which can cause lower back strain. Whether you cut back dramatically on your heels or you give them up completely, these reasons will motivate you to take better care of your feet.

Put your feet first with these expert:

Practise moderation

The higher the heel, the less you should wear it. Stilettos shouldn’t be worn for more than a few hours at a time.

Mix things up

Try alternating heels with flats – as long as you’re wearing comfortable flats more than heels you should avoid any long-term problems.

Stretch out

To relieve stiletto-strain, stand on a step and lower heels over the edge one at a time, holding each for 15 seconds.

Risk of falling

Even if heels never cause any other problems, they do pose the risk of falls. The American Osteopathic Society warns that up to one-third of women have fallen while wearing high heels. This can lead to scrapes, cuts, broken bones and pulled muscles.

When your toes slide forward, you naturally arch your back to make up for it, which can lead to poor posture, which is hard on your back and knees.

Shortened muscles

Wearing heels all day every day can cause the muscles on your calves to shorten because you aren’t using them in the same way you do when wearing flat shoes. This increases the risk of pain and muscle issues.

Joint pain

Unlike other types of shoes, heels lack any significant shock absorption. What’s more, wearing heels also stops your foot from naturally rotating as you walk, since they’re forced into a straight and unbending position. This causes the knee to absorb the brunt of every step, which can lead to severe joint pain and an exacerbation of arthritis symptoms, according to experts. So, don’t be surprised if a long day in heels leaves your joints feeling stiff and sore.

Back pain

Heels actually cause your pelvis to push forward when you walk or stand, placing tremendous pressure on the lower back and causing lingering pain.

 

There might not be a substitute for the way heels make your legs look or how they make you feel when you wear them. But if your long days in heels are leaving you sore and tired, it might be time to swap your higher heels for something a bit more comfortable. Still, if you must wear your sky-high pumps, do so carefully and in small doses, and you won’t suffer the ill effects of being fashionable.

 

Text: Bauer/ Good Health/ Additional Reporting: Shenielle Aloysis

 

READ MORE:
5 Ways To Make New Shoes Work Comfortably For You
How To Wear High Heels Without Pain
Weird Shoe Hacks That Will Keep You On Your Feet All Day