High Heels can cause more than Foot Pain

corns2.jpgThe risks women face while wearing high heels are no secret; for decades, women have been made aware of the damage the feet sustain in high heels. Aside from causing pain and damaging joints, new findings suggest that wearing high heels can actively trigger low-level inflammation while the body struggles to adjust to an unnatural posture and gait. Some scientists believe that if such low-level inflammation becomes long term, the process can be destructive for the body. While the science is still unclear, high heels pose enough risk for women already.

High heels can create a myriad of foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet consult with Dr. Jeffrey Conforti of New Jersey. Dr. Conforti will attend to all of 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 contact our office in Paramus and Clifton, NJ.  We offer all the newest in diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle conditions.

Read more about the effects of high heels. 

Foot & Ankle Medical & Surgical Care
Paramus, NJ Location
2 Sears Drive
Paramus, NJ 07652
Affiliated With
Hackensack University Medical Center
The Valley Hospital
Board Certified, American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery
Board Certified, American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics