7 reasons why high heels can lead to foot problems, impact your posture

Health risks of wearing high heels: High heels can negatively impact your posture. By pushing your body weight forward, they can cause misalignment of your spine and lead to lower back pain (Image: Canva)

If you often notice swelling and tenderness around the heel, and a persistent dull ache even at rest, your stilettos might be to blame. High heels, especially stilettos, shift your weight forward, increasing pressure on the balls of your feet and altering your gait. This unnatural posture can cause chronic heel pain and other foot problems.

Several medical factors contribute to the development of heel pain, and footwear choices play a significant role. The primary issue with high heels is their design, which forces the foot into an unnatural position.

Prioritising foot health can help prevent heel pain and ensure that you stay active and pain-free. For the sake of your feet, consider reserving your stilettos for special occasions and opting for more supportive, comfortable footwear for everyday use.

Here are 7 reasons why wearing high heels is not good for your health:

Increased risk of plantar fasciitis: The elevated position of high heels puts extra strain on the plantar fascia, increasing the risk of developing plantar fasciitis. This condition is characterised by inflammation and micro-tears in the ligament, leading to significant heel pain, especially in the morning.

Achilles tendon issues: Regularly wearing high heels can cause the Achilles tendon to contract and shorten, which can lead to tendinitis. This condition is marked by pain and stiffness along the back of your heel, making it difficult to walk comfortably without flat footwear.

Poor posture: High heels can negatively impact your posture. By pushing your body weight forward, they can cause misalignment of your spine and lead to lower back pain. Proper posture is important for your musculoskeletal health, and high heels can disrupt this balance.

Metatarsalgia: High heels can contribute to metatarsalgia, a condition characterised by pain and inflammation in the ball of your foot. The increased pressure on the forefoot can cause this painful condition, making it uncomfortable to walk or stand for extended periods.

Hammer toes and bunions: The narrow, pointed design of many high heels can lead to deformities such as hammer toes and bunions. These conditions occur when the toes are forced into an unnatural position, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes the need for surgical intervention.

Increased injury risk: High heels can compromise your balance and stability, increasing the likelihood of sprains, strains, and even fractures. The lack of proper support can make it easier to twist an ankle or stumble, leading to acute injuries that may require significant recovery time.

Chronic heel pain: Regularly wearing high heels can lead to chronic heel pain due to the cumulative stress and strain on your feet. Over time, this can develop into persistent pain that affects your daily activities and better quality of life.