20/06/2025
Wearing heels can cause various complications in physiotherapy and podiatry. Primarily, it shifts the center of gravity forward, increasing pressure on the metatarsal area and altering the natural biomechanics of the foot, which can cause pain, injuries, and long-term deformities.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. Biomechanical Alterations:
Shift in Center of Gravity:
High heels force the body weight forward, primarily borne by the forefoot, rather than being distributed more evenly.
Altered Gait:
Walking in high heels often involves shorter strides and increased muscle engagement to maintain balance, impacting natural gait patterns.
Increased Forefoot Pressure:
The forefoot bears a disproportionate amount of weight, leading to increased pressure on the metatarsals and toes.
2. Potential Physiotherapy and Podiatry Issues:
Foot Pain:
Increased pressure on the forefoot can cause pain, especially in the ball of the foot and toes.
Blisters, Corns, and Calluses:
Friction from the shoe can lead to blisters, and prolonged pressure can cause corns and calluses.
Bunions:
Misalignment of the big toe due to pressure from high heels can contribute to bunions.
Ankle Injuries:
The instability of high heels increases the risk of ankle sprains and other injuries.
Achilles Tendon Problems:
The shortened calf muscles and tendons can lead to pain and inflammation in the Achilles tendon.
Osteoarthritis:
Long-term wear can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis in the foot and ankle joints.
Back Pain:
High heels can also affect posture, potentially leading to back pain due to increased lumbar lordosis (inward curve of the lower back).
3. Impact on Balance:
Reduced Stability:
High heels can decrease balance and increase the risk of falls, especially on uneven surfaces.
Muscle Imbalance:
The altered gait and posture can lead to imbalances in the muscles of the feet, ankles, and legs.
4. Long-Term Deformities:
Foot Deformities:
Chronic high heel use can contribute to long-term foot deformities like bunions and hammertoe.
Altered Muscle and Tendon Length:
Muscles and tendons in the lower leg can adapt to the altered posture, potentially leading to chronic tightness and pain.
In essence, while high heels might be a fashion choice, they significantly impact the biomechanics of the foot and lower limb, potentially leading to pain, injury, and long-term problems if not managed appropriately.