SISTER SITES
The Fashion Spot Momtastic
FOLLOW US

ADVERTISEMENT

  • Health Report: Study Shows Wearing High Heels Causes Arthritis

  • Posted by Sharon on July 5, 2011 at 11:15AM
#
  • #

  • I have a problem and I've finally decided to come clean: I'm a heel addict. I've tried (retail) therapy, but it only makes my issue worse.

  • I love heels so much that I developed severe bunions. So severe, in fact, that at age 23 I had to get them removed. (Apparently they were gnarly enough to belong to a 60-year-old.)

  • You'd think I would voluntarily stop wearing heels.

  • But you'd be wrong.

  • Sneakers are ugly. And as "Marie Claire" magazine says, "Flats are for quitters!"

  • Wearing heels actually helps you walk differently -- a 'lil straighter, a longer gait, with a bit more confidence even.

  • However, a new study from the UK has found that those Jimmy Choos alter your body's posture even after you take them off. Scientists discovered that wearing heels increases pressure on the ankles, knees, and feet. This weakens the cartilage in these joints which, in turn, increases your risk of osteoarthritis.

  • Yikes.

  • Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, causing pain and stiffness in the joints. And it affects mostly women. Mostly high heel-wearing women, this study found.

  • If you're anything like me and can't bear to give up your on-trend, peep-toe nude pumps despite the health risks, follow these tips from Anthony Redmond, a podiatrist and arthritis researcher in the UK:

  • • Wear the appropriate footwear for your chosen activity. "Choosing the right footwear will help minimize the stress placed on the feet and joints during everyday activity," says Redmond.

  • • Don't wear sky-high heels. "For daily wear, opt for a round-toed shoe with a heel height of no more than 1 inch," says Redmond. "Also, look for a heel with a shock-absorbent sole to help minimize shock to the joints."

  • • Heed your pain. "If you do experience frequent pain in your feet or ankles, don't ignore it," says Redmond. Sixty five percent of those surveyed experienced stiffness or pain in their lower body and feet, but only half sought help.

  • Tell me -- am I crazy for not shelfing my 3+ inch pumps? Or are you with me in my commitment to (high) fashion?

  • Member Comments

    Your Comment:

    • Heels higher than 1" may look sexy, but living the second half of your life in constant pain because of your shoe choices during the first half definitely ISN'T sexy. Stick to 1" and lower the majority of the time and save your high heels (no higher than 2-1/2") for special occasions. Feeling good makes you look sexier than high heels do. ;)

      by Jewelrydesigner Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at 10:49AM Report as inappropriate

    • I guess I am a quitter. I only wear heels when I dress up. I do love the look, but they aren't aas comfortable as I would like.

      by beautybody Saturday, March 17, 2012 at 10:51PM Report as inappropriate

    • Heels also accentuate your calf muscles ;) I love heels. 1" heels aren't even tall enough to be called heels! I don't wear them often though--I usually wear flats to work. I save heels for evenings out, and wear wedges if I'm going to be out for awhile.

      by LipglossandSpandex Thursday, July 14, 2011 at 09:47PM Report as inappropriate

    • i don't wear heels daily, but if i had to for work, etc. i prob wouldn't trade them in unless the pain got really bad and i was in danger of getting surgery or something. compensate by wearing flats everywhere else! lol.

      by cynthia_snchez_bautista Thursday, July 14, 2011 at 08:36PM Report as inappropriate

    • I still love heels, but I don't wear them every day so I think it kind of works out. Save them for that one party/hot date, then let them recover for a week, and do it all over again!

      by Kamala_Kirk Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at 04:31PM Report as inappropriate

    • and Bunions!

      by Only1KimmieD Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at 12:44PM Report as inappropriate

    • High Heels 4ever!

      by BarbieVampiresa Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at 09:29AM Report as inappropriate

    • flip flops caused me so many problems, I ended up having to see a dr to give me some relief

      by alictasia Monday, July 11, 2011 at 06:42PM Report as inappropriate

    • HEELS FOR LIFE!

      by eatinglipstick Friday, July 8, 2011 at 12:17AM Report as inappropriate

    • I love a pair of hot heels, but I can also go with flip/flop's depending on the event.

      by MissPurple Thursday, July 7, 2011 at 11:52AM Report as inappropriate

    • Page:
    • 1
    • ...
    • 2
    • >
    Welcome to TotalBeauty.com!
    Ready to unleash your inner beauty junkie? Enter your email and check the boxes below to get free samples, exclusive deals, discounts at Total Beauty Shops, and expert beauty tips delivered straight to your inbox!
    Email to a friend



    monitoring_string = "e4ea8133a649aad124e80f99f8831005"