High-heeled footwear is rarely out of style because they make legs appear longer, toned and leaner. High heels are so appealing that women wear them even though they can be uncomfortable and cause pain.
In Europe, high heels were first worn by men and women in the 1500s as a symbol of sophistication and wealth. Heels that were impractical and unreliable were worn by the upper classes to show they belonged. Heels are considered the most feminine form of footwear today. High heels are an essential part of many women’s wardrobes. However, this puts women’s heels under a lot of pressure. For a Podiatrist Gloucester, visit www.propodiatry.co.uk/podiatry/podiatrist-gloucester
Forced into an unnatural position
Heeled footwear raises the heel higher than the toes. This heightens the calf muscle. Unnatural positions may compromise the health of your feet, especially if you wear heels often or for a long time. When wearing high heels, the toes are forced to carry more weight. The angle of the foot puts strain on the foot muscles, and is unsupportive of the ankles. It squeezes the toes and applies pressure.
The latest shoes can cause foot problems
Due to the pressure they put on your feet, high heels can cause a variety of foot problems, such as:
- Painful rubbing
- A bunion
- Callus and corns
- Hammertoe
- Ingrowing toenail
- Muscle aches
- The ball of the foot and the heels can be painful
The Royal College of Podiatry, a professional body of our foot specialists’ members, has called upon employers in the retail industry to stop forcing women to wear impractical footwear at work because of these health concerns.
