One study states that about 83 percent of men become more accommodating when approached by women with high heels. But it is not only the men who find high heels attractive, a significant number of women also feel more attractive when wearing their high heels.
Unfortunately, this feeling does not come without a price: foot problems. In fact, there are 7 common foot problems that have been associated with wearing high heels.
Hammertoes
The crowding together of your toes from wearing high heels results in a condition known as hammertoes. The foot deformity is observed in your second, third, fourth, or the fifth toes as they become bent similar to that of a claw. As a result of your hammertoes you may feel severe pain from the constant friction of your toes with your shoe; which can lead to another foot problem known as corns.
Corns
This foot problem is normally the result of repeated pressure exerted on the skin of your feet. Women who wear high heels experience this condition usually in combination with other foot problems like hammertoes and similar deformities that contribute to the increased rubbing of the toes with the sides and tops of your shoes.
Bunions
Have you ever believed that your bunions are the result of wearing high heels? Well, this is a myth! But we had to include this foot problem here because although bunions, which are caused by a foot structure defect, are genetically handed down from previous generations can be worsened by wearing high heels. The condition can be exaggerated by pointed-toe designs especially when worn for extended periods.
Pump Bump
Also referred to as the Haglund’s deformity, this condition is the result of wearing pump style high heels. The condition results from the irritation of bony deformity found at the back of women’s heels creating significant amounts of pain. This foot problem is more significant in young women who have high heels on for most of the day, every day. Pump bump can also result in other foot problems like Achilles tendonitis and blisters among others.
Neuromas
Shoe designs that combine high heels and pointed toes can lead to a foot problem known as neuromas. This is the result of the toes being forced in the toe box that compresses the nerves of the foot resulting in swelling. This condition can normally observed between your third and fourth toes. The danger with this condition is that it can result in permanent nerve damage. Burning, tingling, pain, and numbness in your foot should therefore never be taken for granted.
Ankle Sprain
Although it is true that ankle sprains can occur even if you are not wearing high heels, the risks are greatly increased when women wear these. With sprain, the connecting ligaments of your feet are suddenly stretched and results in tearing. Instability of the ankle and arthritis can occur when sprains are left unattended.
Back Pains
High heels have a direct effect on the alignment of the knees, hips, ankles, and lower back; back pains. The condition is the result of the awkward alignment that women’s bodies have to sustain when walking or standing in high heels. When you choose to neglect the pain, it can become chronic and lead to other problems aside from difficulty in standing or walking.
These foot problems should be taken seriously because some may require significant amounts of medical attention. The good news though is that orthopaedic solutions often help address the problems. Because your feet are not supposed to hurt when you use them all day long, you need to consult with Foot Solutions experts immediately; pain should never be your gain.
