Some women may find the idea of ditching high heel shoes horrifying. It’s no secret that high-heeled shoes glamorize women by adding a few more inches, plus the shoes make them look very fashionable. However, doctors—most especially ankle surgeons—would like women to reconsider wearing them for the sake of the long-term health of their feet.
You see, long term use of high heels may bring structural changes and/or disfigurement of the foot. Remember that a foot can be deformed through ill-fitting shoes and high heels can totally alter the position of the foot so women walk on the ball of the foot instead of observing the heel-to-toe pattern. Some of the most common foot problems associated with prolonged usage of high heels are the following:
- Bunions
A bunion is a boney development at the base of the big toe characterized by the displacement of the joint, causing it to push out from the underneath of the skin. Though genetics play a vital role in acquiring bunions, high-heeled and/or pointed toed shoes also attributes to this condition.
- Hammer Toes
Hammer toes are also known as buckled toes and occurs when the knuckles of the toes become callused and look prominent. Usually, high-heeled shoes can cause hammer toes since excessive weight and pressure are placed on the ball of the foot, injuring the stabilizing ligaments of the toes.
- Heel Bone Bulging
As the heel bone is tilted upwards when wearing high heels, the back of the heel bone develops prominence. Some can even have what is called ‘pump bump,’ a development at the back of the heel where the shoe wraps around the heel.
- Injured or Fractured Ankle or Foot
High-heels challenge balance and if you’re not cautious enough, you may experience a fall. A nasty fall or break can always cause injury not only in ankle or foot but also at the other parts of the body.