I came across an interesting headline recently that grabbed my attention…”High Heel Injuries Nearly Double in 10 Years.” The article reports the group of women most likely to sustain an injury are those 20-29 years old. I guess fashion really can injury people.

Given I treat foot and ankle injuries on a regular basis, it was interesting to read about secondary injuries from high heel falls that did not cross my mind. My brain tended to focus on the direct link between footwear and foot or ankle issues such as stress fractures or ankle sprains. But in this case, the story also discusses upper body issues that happen from falling. Also and this fact is interesting, most of the injuries happened at home. Clearly comfortability with surroundings and lack of attention play a role.

So what is the harm of high heel shoes?

I guess that depends on the individual’s perspective. From a physical therapists perspective, we see numerous issues. For starters, high heel shoes change the force pressures in the foot. By concentrating the pressure, often in the forefoot, one risks developing a stress fracture in that region because the foot is not designed to withstand those pressures. Women’s high heels can deliver greater pressure than an elephant….read this. Next, the design of the shoe tends to result in squishing of the toes into a point….can you say bunions? Comfort, how many women actually feel comfortable in high heels? At a wedding, how many women take their shoes off…comfortable say you?

And I did not even get into how the high heels can result in increased pressure/pain of the knees or lower back.

“But they look cute!” I hate hearing that when I am trying to treat a woman with a foot problem. Vanity now or pain later?

Wear if you must, when you must. But be warned….if you wear too often injury or pain may likely follow.