Heeled footwear has been in use by women for centuries and has now become an integral part of the wardrobe not only in the west but also in India. Recent research suggests that up to one third of women suffer from permanent problems as a result of their prolonged wearing of heels. One in 10 women wear it at least for 3 days a week, and a recent survey found that one-third of them had permanent problems. High heels change their wearer’s walking pattern. The average person who regularly sports heels takes shorter and more forceful strides when walking than those who regularly wear flat shoes. Dr. Manan Vora, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine Expert & Content Creator shares insights on how to wear heels, comfortably.
The problem, of course, is that they aren’t good for you. They likely leave your feet aching, regardless of how comfortable they are. After a few hours, you probably have an ache in your lower back, your knees might hurt, and the balls of your feet may hurt - a pain called metatarsalgia - due to the excessive downward force exerted on them. When wearing heels, the body must adjust and shift its overall weight and centre of gravity to compensate for the heel of the shoe. The higher the heel, the higher the risk of lower back, hip, and knee issues.
