20 June 2013

WOMEN - Study reveals health risks associated with high heels


















An Australian based study has found that women who wear high heel shoes on a regular basis could suffer from health problems.

The study, a first of its kind, was published last week in the Journal of Applied Physiology.

According to the study, women who wear high heels are at risk for permanent damage to their knees, hips, back and tendons.

"You can have Achilles tendon contractors [and] tight calf muscles [due to wearing heels]. It's reported to lead to some hip and knee and back pain, but I wouldn't say it's proven," explained orthopedic, foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Brian Thompson.

The recent study found in some cases, damage was detected in women as young as 25-years-old.

Dr. Thompson said he believes the popular women's shoes mainly causes problems for women who are predisposed to conditions such as bunions or hammer toe and that despite the study results, it is not necessary for women to give up wearing heels completely.

"I'm not telling people they shouldn't wear them, you should just use common sense and maybe wear them in moderation [and] alternate with other shoes," Dr. Thompson explained.

Darnice Harris is the owner of the Studio 615 Boutique in Nashville.

She told Nashville's News 2 despite the risks and having already had surgery on her feet she will continue to wear heels.

"I've had bunion surgery on both toes," she said, continuing, "Women are taught that pain is beauty and that we have to experience some pain for that ultimate beauty.

Doctors suggest women who do wear heels to take them off while driving or sitting at their desk at work.


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