Photo: Public Domain Photos / Flickr

There is nothing sexier than a beautifully crafted shoe and many women would do anything for a pair of Jimmy Choos. High heels are one of those beauty secrets that make women look taller and slimmer than they really are. They lift the body and complete any outfit, but many women are addicted to high heels simply because they feel sexy wearing them. High heel shoes may look good, but your body pays a price when you attempt to walk in them.

Your feet are screaming

High heel shoes force the foot into a downward position which means that there is added pressure on the bottom of the forefoot with every step you take. The higher the heel, the more pressure is exerted and this can cause pain in later life or deformities such as bunions, hammer toes and neuromas.

High heel shoes also limit the power and motion of your ankle and your calf muscles are actually shortened due to the height of your shoes. This disrupts ‘lift-off’ with each step you take and the position of your ankles can also contract your Achilles tendon. The misuse of this tendon may cause a condition call insertional Achilles tendonitis.

How is your back doing?

The shape of your back acts as a shock absorber to protect your delicate vertebrae. When you wear high shoes your lower back is flattened because your head is displaced and this also has a negative impact on your mid-spine. High heels cause you to lean forward slightly and this changes the natural shape of your back. When your posture changes, everything falls out of alignment and this means that your muscles have to work overtime for you to complete your daily tasks.

High heels also impact your skin, toes, neck, hips and knees and are often worn for long periods of time causing even more strain on the body.

Give your feet a break every now and then.

Tags: high heels, ladies shoes