Long-term Use of High Heels Modifies Control of Movement and Impairs Normal Activities

Walking in high-heeled shoes has been shown to significantly reduce ankle muscle movement, step length, total range of movement and balance control in addition to discomfort in the lower leg, ankle and foot. New research from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, revealed that high-heel related injuries doubled between 2002 and 2012. There were 123,355 high-heel-related injuries with more than 19,000 injuries in 2011. People aged between 20 and 29 were most likely to suffer an injury, followed by the 30-39 age group.

Over 80 percent of the injuries were on the ankle or foot, with just under 20 percent involving the knee, trunk, shoulder, or head and neck. More than half were strains or sprains, with fractures accounting for 19 percent of all injuries.

Vice chair and Professor Gerald McGwin, Ph.D., who led the study, said that although heels might be stylish, from a health standpoint, it would be worthwhile to understand the risks and the potential harm that precarious activities in high-heeled shoes can cause.

Many studies have documented that the long-term use of high heels alters the neuromechanics of walking and places greater strain on the muscles and tendons of the lower legs, which can lead to musculoskeletal disorders later in life.

Source-Medindia