Watch Those High-Heeled Shoes!

THE popular notion that high-heels define a powerful,sophisticatedand ambitious woman has now come under careful scrutiny, especially because of its health effects.In the past, Egyptian butchers and even Kings wore high-heeled shoes. Catherine de media was one of the famous women who sold the success of high heels when she used same in complementing her short stature toboost her appearance asfianceto the powerful Duke of Orleans.High-heels were abolished at a time not because of its negative health effects but to reduce the divide it created between the rich and poor and promote a sense of equality.Surprisingly, manufacturers had claimed that it reduces backaches and makes walking less tiring.In this new era, advanced technology and research have shown that high heels take a negative toll on women. The effects of high-heeled shoes on women coupled with the normal stress of workcan beoverbearing.Changes in the normal curvature of the back and increased compressive forces on the lumbar spine are some of the changes that arise from wearing high-heeled shoes.As expected, women who wear high heels complain more of leg pain andlow backpain. Women today who would choose fashion over comfort seem by far more than those who would go for more comfortable heel heights to complement appearance and allow free movement.Only a tiny percentage of people are born with foot problems. Most conditions arise from neglect or simply not knowing how to care for your feet. Women are particularly vulnerable. They have about four times as many foot problems as men do, most of which come from wearing ill-fitting shoes.Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, and it's twice as common in women. Suspicions are that the use of high heels is a likely reason. Remember the last time you felt pain in the ball of your foot; this is often caused by wearing high heels. The higher the heel, the greater the pressure felt on the ball of your foot.A three-inch heel, for example, exerts about 76 per cent more pressure than a flat shoe.Did you know that women who wore high-heeled shoes for long periods walked differently from others' Walking primarily involved stretching and stressing their tendons, especially the Achilles tendon. But in the heel wearers, the walking mostly engaged their muscles.So, if you do wear heels and are at all concerned about muscle and joint strains, take this simple advice. Try, if possible, to ease back a bit on the towering footwear. Wear high-heels less frequently maybe 'once or twice a week.'And if that's not practical or desirable, 'try to remove the heels whenever possible, such as when you're sitting at your desk.' The shoes can remain alluring, even nestled beside your feet.Try a metatarsal pad to help relieve the pain, but it's also a good idea to change shoe styles to low or flatter heels.
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