From the article,
“The big problem created by wearing high-heel shoes was abnormal weight distribution, she said. Instead of the foot bearing the weight of the body in the heel and the ball of the foot, all the weight fell on to the ball of the foot when wearing high heels, especially narrow, pointy-toed shoes. The increased pressure could make corns and callouses develop on the ball of the foot, increase the likelihood of developing ingrown toenails, bunions and hammertoes and contribute to neuroma, a painful thickening of the nerve between the toe bones. In some habitual heel wearers the calf and Achilles muscles could shorten into a tighter position leading to strain and an increased risk of tendonitis or tendon rupture when reverting to walking in a flat shoe or barefoot. Foot problems typically started to present for women in their 40s, with pain limiting their ability to function, she said. "Most foot conditions are chronic and develop over a period of time,” Professor Bower said. As we age our joints, ligaments and tendons loosen and the foot will lengthen slightly and incrementally because it is no longer toned. The fat pad under the heel and ball of the foot that cushions the foot from birth declines and the bones and joints become more prominent. The older foot, with less naturally occurring support and padding, was therefore at an increased risk of problems from wearing high heels, she said. “
It is all stuff most of us have heard already, but it is always nice to hear it again and pass it onto our patients and children.
High heels and women in them are great to look at, but just not meant to walk in for any extended period of time. The Gait Guys say, "Put them on your fireplace mantle where you can enjoy them daily, rather than on your foot.”
Ivo and Shawn, The Gait Guys
