High Heels: This is what happens when you wear heels every day

If there were no high heels, the world would be a little poorer. But the beauty has its price! The consequences for our bodies are too serious not to be named.

Most pleasures only become sins when overdone. This definitely applies to the enjoyment of wine and champagne, but also to shopping tours and dancing the night away. Many women only take their beloved high heels off the shelf on special occasions because of the sparse wearing comfort, so they do not overdo it. And some risks can actually be avoided as an "occasional wearer", but unfortunately others are all the greater: According to the University of Alabama, between 2002 and 2012 in the USA more than 123,000 women with high-heeled shoe injuries had to go to the emergency room. In the vast majority of cases, it was about sprains that inexperienced wearers suffered.

The health portal "healthdigest.com" once compiled the risks of high heels. Even reading it is painful, so it is reassuring that our inner voice gives the high heels the label as an indispensable work of art. What happens if you wear heels almost every day?

The biggest risks of wearing high heels frequently

Metatarsal stress

High heels inevitably put more strain on the metatarsal bones. In the long run, this can lead to signs of fatigue and thus to pain.

danger to the ankles

If you are walking in high heels, you twist your ankle more easily. Sprained ankles and overstretched ligaments are often the result.

Greater stress on the joints

The risk of osteoarthritis, i.e. high joint wear and tear, increases significantly with high heels. This applies not only to the ankles, but also to the knee joints and the spine. There is pain and limited mobility.

deformation of the toes

The unnatural position of the feet can lead to permanent deformations. The area of ​​the toes is particularly affected, as these often have to get through the day squashed. So-called bunions are a possible, often painful consequence.

There are also big differences in the comfort of high heels.

Back problems

"When you wear heels, you have to curve your lower vertebrae to maintain an upright posture, which puts a lot of strain on your lower back," explains podiatrist Scott Hamilton at healthdigest.com. Among other things, there is a risk of numbness in the legs.

Shortened tendons

The Achilles tendon in the heel bone in particular cannot withstand the constant strain despite its strength. It shortens, which can result in an unpleasant chain reaction with malpositions and inflammation.

Toenail problems

Ingrown toenails are one of the most common consequences of wearing high heels. This is not aesthetically pleasing and often painful. Fungal infections are also encouraged.

How healthy are the possible alternatives, i.e. flat shoes?

Give preference to comfortable shoes

In addition to all these health hazards, overexertion is also reflected in swelling of the legs and ankles. Wearing comfortable shoes in everyday life is therefore advisable in any case. And if high heels are needed for a special event, the change of shoes should be waiting nearby.