Over 100,000 people recently signed a petition to ban high heels from company dress codes. A woman named Nicole Thorpe was kicked out of her workplace for refusing to wear high heels on the job. Many women are educating themselves on the dangers of high heels and switching to sneakers instead as a result. Indian doctor Swapnil Zambre says, “A switch like this would decrease knee, back, and heel pain by as much as 70 percent.” Humans are designed to walk barefoot, and high heels keep your feet at an unnatural elevation. It is important to be aware of the negative effects of high heels, in order to protect the health of your feet.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Todd Goldberg of Complete Family Foot Care Center, P.C. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because their style and societal appeal. Despite this, they can still 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. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available.

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

Read more about the effects of high heels.