Jill Foster of the Daily Mail, spoke with three British women regarding their relationship with high heels.  Of the three women, two developed bunions on their feet, while the other had an arthritic toe and needed surgery.  Two of the women wore heels daily until foot pain prevented them from continuing to wear them, while the other woman plans to continue wearing heels despite the bunions she is developing.  

Even though high heels are a popular footwear choice for many women, as the Daily Mail points out, there can be some serious complications that can result from excessive high heel use. If you are experiencing foot pain, ankle pain, or think you are developing a bunion or arthritic feet, it is highly recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist, like Dr. Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, immediately. Dr. Hyman will be able to examine your feet, diagnose any foot problems you might be having, and provide treatment options that work for you.

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 Milburn NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.