The list of problems that high heels can cause your body has just gotten longer: High-heeled shoes, according to podiatrists, are one of the most common causes of ingrown toenails.
Recognizing that wearing high heels isn’t the greatest way to dress. Despite this, many individuals choose them since they make your legs appear longer and at times even skinnier. The problem is that if you don’t take precautions to strengthen and stretch your heels to avoid high heel problems, you may be putting yourself through a lot of pain.
The natural mechanics of your body are completely disrupted when you wear high heels. Chronic heel pain, which begins in the foot, can affect nearly every region of your body.
This toenail condition, which arises when the toes are crushed and the big toenail develops into the skin, is usually just a nagging irritation. However, ingrown toenails can get infected, necessitating the removal of the entire nail in some cases.
Ingrown toenails can be uncomfortable, but many women are ready to put up with the discomfort in order to keep wearing their high heels, according to a statement from a professor of podiatry at the. If left untreated, more significant issues can develop, including permanent damage to the toenail.
Heels, on the other hand, can hurt more than just the toes. High heels in youth have been related to heel and ankle pain in older adults, according to research. Foot-examination data from over 3,300 men and women were evaluated, and it was shown that more than 60% of women reported wearing shoes with poor support, such as heels, pumps, and sandals, compared to only 2% of males. Wearing these shoes in the past was associated with heel and ankle pain in women.
Wearing high heels on a regular basis can actually shorten calf muscles by 13% over the course of a person’s life. Aside from that, wearing heels appears to thicken your Achilles tendon, which could be a problem for runners. And this is crucial: chronic high heel wearers experience discomfort and pain even after they remove their heels.
When dancing in heels, even ballroom dancers aren’t as light on their feet; dancing in heels distributes pressure toward the toes, which can cause plantar fasciitis, a painful swelling of the bottom of the feet. In studies, high heels have been linked to knee osteoarthritis, with sky-high stilettos posing a greater danger than regular pumps. When you walk in heels, additional weight is placed on the inside of your knee joints. One’s posture was found to change when wearing heels, putting more stress on the lower back.
High heels also put constant pressure on the big toes, resulting in dysfunctional toenail growth. An ingrown toenail, also known as onychocryptosis, is caused by the toes compressing together. As a result, the big toes grow into the skin. I know it’s unpleasant. High heels should be avoided by people with type 2 diabetes because they can further restrict circulation in the feet.
Heels aren’t the only ones who cause issues. Flip-flops, with their complete lack of support, might also alter one’s gait. As a result, there may be pain and the possibility of long-term joint problems.
When choosing a pair of attractive heels, the possibility of eventual agony may seem far away. However, eight out of ten women say their shoes hurt, and women are nine times more likely than men to develop foot problems as a result of ill-fitting shoes.
Women should wear heels as little as possible on days when they will be walking and standing. When shopping for new shoes, it is recommended that ladies prepare a sketch of their feet on firm cardboard and carry the cut-out with them to the store. If the cardboard can’t fit into the shoe, your feet will be squished.
Final Thoughts
High heels can bring you pain and harm all over your body. Bunions, ankle sprains, muscular imbalances, lower back discomfort, neck pain, sprains and strains, foot pain, and ingrown toenails are all common concerns connected with wearing high heels.
So, the next time you’re out and about wearing your favorite high-heeled shoes, be sure to take a few of these precautions to help keep you safe.
- If you must wear heels, choose ones with a lower heel and toes that aren’t tiny and pointed.
- Straighten your toenails with a clipper.
- At night, soak your feet in warm water with Epsom salt.
- Stretch your calves at least once a day, holding each stretch for 30 seconds. Foam rolls the calves before stretching for even more benefits. Keep the roller on a few sore calf locations for at least 30 seconds each.
- Avoid standing or striding for long periods in high heels.
Wearing high heels might be uncomfortable for your feet. It would be ideal if you could retire your high heels for good. But as we all know there are many people who feel confident in their choice to wear these shoes so long as they exercise caution with them.
If you know anyone who always likes to wear high-heeled shoes, please share this post with them. They need to be aware of the dangers that come with wearing these shoes.
It’s important to have a little bit of knowledge about these dangerous items before going out and buying a pair for yourself. Stay safe while wearing your favorite pair of heels!