High Heels & Leg Pain

High heels can cause leg pain.

High heels look great, but can put too much pressure on your toes and throw off your natural gait. To keep your feet and legs free from pain, wear high heels only on occasion.

Perils of Down Stairs

WebMD reported on a study of ankle motion in women wearing 2,1/2-inch high heels while going down stairs. This resulting in an unsteady gait that put excessive pressure on the toes.

Tight Calves

PodiatryNetwork.com notes that any high heels, including those of men's cowboy boots, will cause tight calf muscles. Tight calves can cause foot arches to flatten, leading to leg and foot pain.

Tendon Tension

High heels can also cause tension in your Achilles tendons. The heel's lack of contact with the ground causes shortening in the tendon, leading to chronic pain.

Open Those Toes

ShoeIQ.com recommends open-toe high heels because they allow your toes room to stretch and essentially create a custom fit.

Recommendation

If you have back problems or any kind of foot injury, limit time spent in high heels and go with a 1-inch, chunky heel when you do indulge. Stretch your calves regularly to prevent Achilles tendinitis and leg pain.

References

• WebMD: High Heels, Flip-Flops: Painful Choices
• Podiatry Network: Heel Pain
• Shoe IQ: Tips for Wearing High Heels

Resources

• Canadian Living: 4 Easy Exercises for High-Heel Wearers