Top 5 Common Symptoms After Wearing Heels

I have few patients lately asking about “does wearing heels have a negative effect” on them, so I decided to write a blog about it since it seems like many ladies/parents would like to know.

                   Fig. 1.1                                                                                           

 

                                                           Fig. 1.2

 

Normally when we stand still, our weight/pressure is supposed to distribute evenly like a tripod but when wearing heels, it all changes. Uneven pressure to our structure such as bones, joints, muscles, tendons..

                                                                                                    Fig. 1.3

I'll be using the picture Fig. 1.3 to give you a better picture of what I mean about tripod. Now imagine heels being worn on it. When your heel is raised upwards, the pressure on #1 will transfer to #3 area and the amount of pressure being transfer depends on the heels inches. The higher it is, the more pressure is placed on #3 (If you are experience pain on #3, consider to reduce the amount time/days wearing heels).

There's more....

If you look at Fig. 1.2 you can see the left side is the normal posture and the right side you can clearly see her knees, chest are shifted forward and the pelvic area is raised. Prolong wearing heels will cause the muscles and tendon tighten up causing pain, tiredness which will further develop tender points/trigger points. For us guys to understand what the ladies are going thru, you can try to do a bicep curl and hold that contraction for 2-3 hours and then relax. Do you feel that burn? that's what it feels like after wearing/standing on the heels.

Here is the Top 5 common symptoms after wearing heels:

1. Ball of the foot pain 
2. Low back pain
3.  Shoulder & Neck Pain 
4. Calf Muscle / Achilles Tendon Pain 
5. Knee Pain

                          Fig. 1.4

Does that mean you shouldn't wear heels anymore? Of course not. You can make better choices on the type of heels; 1 or 2 inches heels, soft insoles, make sure the shoes are the right size, wear heels on the days that does not require you to walk or stand as often, stretching the calf muscles and feet. However if you are experience pain in the top 5 common symptoms, I suggest you to reduce the amount of time wearing heels or come in to see me for an osteopathic consultation/check up.

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Got questions? Send me an email at nutridition@gmail.com or call in to schedule your appointment today!

SmartLifePhysio
Unit 212, 385 Silver Star Blvd Scarborough ON M1V 0E3
(416)901-1788

TownCentreRehab
Unit 3, 60 Brian Harrison Way, Scarborough, ON, M1P 5J5 
(416)296-1788