The Famuan

Issue date: 10/25/06 Section: Health

Media Credit: Alexis Jenkins Medical experts say that women who wear high-heeled shoes are at risk for serious health problems related to their feet.

There is an old adage that says what goes up must come down. But for some women who enjoy the look and feel of wearing high-heeled shoes, the thought of coming down is unthinkable.

Medical experts say that constant high heel wear can cause serious problems for the wearer's feet. 

"Wearing high heels for a long period of time can cause your heel to adapt to the position of the shoe," said Dr. George M. Merritt, a podiatric surgeon from Tallahassee Podiatric Associates. "The constant wear can cause hammertoe, bunions, pinched nerves in the feet and can result in hard or soft corns." 

But the negative effects of high heels do not stop there, according to research from the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

The Mayo research concludes that high heels may cause joint pain in the ball of the foot and produce problems for toenails because of the constant pressure caused by the force against the front of the shoe. 

Still, some women say the style and the look of high heels are worth the risk. 

"I love wearing high heels because they look cute with my outfits, especially skirts," said Sherri Boone, 21, a fourth-year business administration student from Springfield, Va. "To look good, you have to make sacrifices no matter how much it hurts." 

Merritt said the higher and pointier the heel, the more problems the shoes could cause for the foot.

"Feet are in their most comfortable position when body weight is evenly distributed," he said. "When that weight is unevenly distributed it allows one section of your foot to bear excess pressure." 

The discomfort of high heels has caused some women to avoid wearing the potentially hazardous shoes. 

"I don't like wearing high heels because they are uncomfortable and difficult to walk in, especially on campus," said Lauren Armwood, 20, a junior political science student from San Antonio. "I cringe when I see girls trip on campus, and I see this almost on a daily basis."

While many women believe that wearing a higher heel is more fashionable and provides the look that men are seeking, medical experts say the mythical thoughts are misguided and that foot problems are real. 

Continued...

Page 1 of 2 next >

Article Tools