People on the streets are usually fascinated or amused when women pull out flat shoes to replace the high heels that they are wearing. What many may not know is that high heels can be really uncomfortable.
Forget the trends in magazines with fashionistas in six-inch heels, the shoe has the following side effects among others;
1. Running in heels may lead to knee arthritis.
According to a 2013 research, running in heels is detrimental. Running while wearing shoes above 2¾-inches in height contributes to arthritis.
The International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology found that the 2 ¾-inch heels increase lateral movement of the knees (toward and away from each other).
Just walk.
2. Heels misalign your back
Most perceptions lean toward the thought that ladies in high heels look better. The heels accentuate their figure i.e hips, butt etcetera.
Well, heels actually cause your spines to tilt forward. According to the Spine Health Institute, Human spines are in an S-shape acting as natural shock absorbers.
When you walk in heels with a bent spine, shock absorption is reduced, and in the long can lead to chronic lower back pain, tingling, and cramping as pressure is exerted on the nerves.
3. Varicose veins
It is a common belief that heels make a woman’s leg appear longer and thinner, right?
While it might be true considering that the shoe shape squeezes the foot into that position, the stress on your foot can result in a constricted blood flow.
In extreme cases, the constriction reportedly causes the blood vessels to break.
4. Ingrown Toenails
Ever notice that the toes on someone in heels always look suffocated trying to breathe except the biggest toe?
Well, most heels are pointy or almond-shaped toe despite the end of one’s foot being actually more square.
High heels cause your feet to slide down and crush your toes, leading to ingrown toenails. Change to comfortable shoes often.
5. Bunions
High heels exert pressure on the front end of the foot, the toes. The part bears most of the body’s weight and if not checked results in bunions (a painful swelling on the first joint of the big toe) and bone spurs.
Wear the heels that you are comfortable in and enjoy the variety that suits you, of course.
