What are Some Problems Caused by Wearing High Heels?
There are many documented problems caused by wearing high heels. Some of these are minor, only occurring with occasional wear. Other problems caused by wearing high heels can be more severe and require treatment, especially as we age.
One of the common problems caused by wearing high heels is blistering of the feet. This occurs when the shoe rubs the foot the wrong way, pushes two toes together, or otherwise squeezes the toes. Some blistering can be diminished by making sure shoes properly fit. Also new high heels should be worn with bandages on the toes and on the heel until the shoe is broken it. You can also try moleskin or padded moleskin to stop new shoe blisters before they occur.
When a shoe causing blisters or soreness is ignored, you can get corns. These are again one of the common and minor problems caused by wearing high heels. A narrow toe box in a shoe, and the feet being pushed forward into the toe box, as well as friction between the foot and shoe may result in painful corns. The feet may also become thickly callused.
Narrow toe boxes and the foot slanting downward are frequently the reason for problems caused by wearing high heels. When the foot is jammed into the shoe, you can experience not only blisters and corns, but also hammertoes, bunions, and toenail fungus problems. Other problems caused by wearing high heels can affect the structure of the foot, and the rest of the body.
Keeping the feet in a lifted position for many hours of the day sometimes creates a shortened Achilles tendon. This shortening may make wearing flatter shoes less comfortable or almost impossible. If you find discomfort in wearing flatter shoes, you might end some of the problems caused by wearing high heels by periodically lowering of the height of the shoe. This can mean you gradually address the issue, without causing great discomfort to the foot, and you get a new pair of shoes each month. It can also help to walk barefoot at home.
Other problems caused by wearing high heels include:
- Stress fractures- cracks or breaks in the bones, more common as we age.
- Twisted/sprained/broken ankles—from turning a foot while wearing a high-heeled shoe.
- Pump Bump—enlargement of the back of the heel making it stick out and be red or swollen.
- Joint pain—especially in the toes and on the balls of the feet, the joint can become chronically irritated and is worsened when heels are worn all the time.
- Neuroma- tissue growth under the toes that results in extreme pain.
- Back problems— may be related to wearing high heels and having poor postural alignment.
With the problems caused by wearing high heels, it’s a good idea to choose them for occasional wear, or to only wear them when you must, as in an office environment. Still, occasional use, or even daily use is not likely to cause many problems if you use the shoes only for work or play, and then switch to a more comfortable and supportive shoe for the rest of the day. Problems can also be reduced by purchasing shoes that fit properly, and have adequate room in the toe box.
Written by Tricia Ellis-Christensen
