Heel Trouble

High heels may be sexy, but they can pose serious health risks, according to research.

The effect on the various parts of the body –

Knee – putting extra weight on the knees can lead to pain and in some cases osteoarthritis

Pelvis – tilting the pelvis can weaken pelvic floor muscles

Ankles – wobbling on thin heels can lead to sprained ankles

Lower back – increasing the curvature of the spine can cause lower back problems

Calf – walking on tiptoes can shorten the calf muscle

Foot – putting the balance forward can overload the bones in the ball of the foot

If you can’t give up high heels, these tips help you to make a better purchase.

Make sure the toe box is the shape of your foot (and not any narrower) and is 1 cm longer then your big toe.

The more padding the better – consider inserts

A strong strap over the arch of the foot can help stop the foot slipping forward and provide better support

How low can you go? Don’t choose heels higher than an inch.

Stilettos do not provide enough support, do go for a wide or thick heel.

"Prevention is better than cure." - Desiderius Erasmus