Although high-heeled shoes provide an elegant and stylish appearance, their drawbacks in terms of foot health should be taken into consideration. When the heel height is more than 4.5 cm, the systems that ensure normal anatomical walking are negatively affected and the weight and pressure shift more forward. Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Specialist Dr. Özlem Mehmetoğlu gave information about the subject. Studies have shown that shoes with 9-cm heels place 7 times more stress on the foot joints than shoes with 3-cm heels. We can list the questions we encounter due to inappropriate shoe use as follows;
Foot deformities
The formation of a deformed thumb called hallux valgus and a painful bone protrusion on its inner side, especially in women who wear pointed-toe and high-heeled shoes. , hammer toe deformity, callus formation on the toe due to wearing tight shoes. Night splints, silicone rollers, shoe changes or surgery may be required in the treatment of these problems.
Ankle sprain, metatarsalgia
In women who wear high-heeled shoes, ankle stability is impaired and the ankle cannot grip the ground well. Sprains are very common. In addition, excessive load on the Achilles tendon occurs and shortening of the tendon occurs over time. Pain occurs in the metatarsal bones and soles of the feet due to overload due to long-term use and thinning of the fatty tissue on the sole of the foot.
Nail problems
One of the most common situations encountered by women who wear high-heeled shoes is nails. stinging and sometimes serious infections may develop. For treatment, proper nail cutting, wearing wide and flat shoes, and surgical procedures in advanced cases are recommended.
Stress fractures
Extra weight and pressure on the front of the feet due to wearing high heels is stress (fatigue). ) may cause fractures. In this case, which causes swelling and pain in the foot, it is necessary to put the foot in a cast and rest.
Knee, leg and waist pain
Since wearing high-heeled shoes will shift the center of gravity forward, pushing the knee and hip forward. we have to. This situation puts excessive pressure on the kneecap and hip. It causes tripping, causes anterior knee pain and arthritis, making it difficult to go up and down stairs over time. Likewise, as the curvature of the waist area will increase, tension and pain occur in the waist muscles. When high-heeled shoes are frequently worn, calcification begins at an earlier age due to constant strain on the joints of the foot, knee and lumbar spine.
Morton's neuroma
Depending on the anatomical structure of the foot, 3rd and 4th grades occur. The nerve passing between the fingers is the area closest to being under pressure. The pressure on the nerve between the 3rd and 4th toes due to the use of high-heeled and pointed shoes causes nerve thickening and gives false signals, leading to various complaints such as pain, burning, and electricity in the front of the foot. In its treatment, changes in shoe selection, anti-inflammatory drugs and metatarsal pads are used. If there is no improvement, surgical intervention is considered.
In order to use high heels more healthily, you should change the heel heights you use throughout the week, prefer platform-soled shoes as they provide a larger surface area, wear shoes with arch support and shock absorption, and wear shoes with arch support and shock absorption at the end of the day. You should not forget to massage your feet and do bottle turning exercises with the soles of your feet.
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