Do you wear high heels? Are you aware of the dangers of high heels?
Though high heels give a graceful appearance, there’s some risk attached to them.
Here are some interesting quotes about high heels; you will find these amusing.
“Keep your head, heels, and standards high.”
“The higher the heel, the better you feel.”
“Life is short; heels shouldn’t be.”
“High heels bring you closer to heaven.”
“Chase your dreams in high heels, of course.”
Dangers of high heels
Okay, had your fill? These are the quotes of fashion-conscious people. But there are opposing views from the so-called “health-conscious” researchers.
High heels are a fashion statement; it gives a graceful gait, a shorter stride, and a mirage-effect of slender legs. Due to this increased attractiveness and a boost in self-confidence, many ladies prefer to be high heeled.
But all these plus points come at a price- the price of your health. The researchers suggest that the higher the heels greater the risk.
Health consequences
High heels cause problems because they force the foot into a naturally unstable position. Scientists warn us that high heels change our gait cycle or walking style. The changes at the ankle cause the muscles higher in the leg and back to lose efficiency and strength.
Researchers say that wearing high heels changes the bones’ load in and around the knee have to absorb. This can lead to injury.
When you wear high heels for the first time, everything seems to be perfect. You look stylish, and in fact, it can even strengthen the ankles initially. This happens because the muscles that surround the ankles have to contract to keep you walking in an upright position continually.
But as the days go by, all is not well as it sounds. As time passes, the lower leg muscles get adapted to high heels, and there is less muscle contraction. When you wear flat shoes, your foot is in its natural position; it actually strengthens your joints and reduces the risk of injury.
The story is not yet over; the scary part is yet to come.
High heels can cause joint degeneration and knee osteoarthritis. David Heitz writes in Healthline that the symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain and stiffness in the joints. Over time it may cause a limited range of movement. Ouch! That hurts!
In a research study, scientists selected three heel heights, flat, two inches, and 3.5 inches. The participants completed the walking trials. The researchers measured the forces acting about the knee joint and the heel strike-induced shock wave that travels up the body when walking in heels.
Using sophisticated equipment, they were able to capture movement and force data and translate them into results. They conclude that if you wear heels, especially two inches and higher, it will cause adverse effects on your health.
High heels change the body position by changing the joint positions at the ankle, knee, hip, and trunk. This can create strain on your lower back. Prolonged wearing and walking in high heels could contribute to joint degeneration and knee osteoarthritis.
Mark my words! The higher the heel, the greater the risk.
Steps to reduce the risk
Kinesiologists advise you to wear high heels in moderation and wear low heels to enjoy optimal heel health. Tricia Turner, a leading Kinesiologist, recommends these exercises to improve your gait health.
Stretching– take a towel and pull your foot towards you for 30 seconds.
Strengthening– for this exercise, you need a threaded band. Use the thread band to resist the ankle as it pushes up and in.
Standing– to pep up your smaller muscles, put small objects on the floor and use your toes to pick them up.
Balance– Stand on one limb at a time. You should maintain that position for 30 seconds. You can close your eyes or stand on unstable surfaces to make the practice more difficult.
Conclusion
Though you may be style conscious, your health becomes your priority in life. So practice all these exercises and use high heels sparsely to reduce the risk of dangers of wearing high heels. In this way, you can enjoy the best of both worlds.