Common Problem

High Heels Cause Back Pain

 A Common Problem

Wearing high heels has been women’s favorite fashion for past decades. People say heels are bad for the feet and ankle causing aches and pains, may also cause back pain indirectly. But most ladies are ignorant

about these pains problems. What’s more important? Looking good? Or Feeling good? So let us educate you on real scientific proven problems about wearing high heels and its harm on your body structures.

The high heel may vary in height from 2.5 cms to 25 cms or more and a surface area contact with the ground of less than 1 cm. Now imagine lady weight 50 kgs on a circle with a diameter of 1 cm. High heels slant the foot forwards and down thus shortening the Achilles tendon. Also your whole body weight is transferred to forward on the ball of the foot thus causing damage to the underlying soft tissues that support the foot. This affects the normal functionality of the foot and biomechanics of walking.

A recent study has found a third of ladies wearing heels suffered from injuries and pain. Very commonly seen conditions by physiotherapists in Singapore Physio Clinic are hammer toes, bunions, Morton’s neuroma, plantar fasciitis, heel pain, Achilles tendinitis, calf tightness, ankle sprains, foot arch pain, knee pain, early osteoarthritis, metatarsalgia.

 It is not just the foot that gets affected by high heels but also the back. The back goes into excessive arching, pressure on the vertebrae posteriorly and also resulting in excessive work of the back muscles. The muscles at the back of lower leg (calf) working hard to adjust to angle of high heels causing calf tightness and transmitting up to muscles at back of thigh (hamstring) to be tight as well. Over long period, it may also cause poor posture and weak core muscles strength resulting in backaches and pain. Heels may also put pressure on the nerves causing sciatica, a back pain condition where nerves become trapped, trigger pain and numbness to leg and feet. 

For worst cases, high heels cause reduce in balance and instability resulting in falls risk, twisting injuries of ankle, tearing ligaments or even fractures breaking your bone.

Can I still wear heels and avoid from all these potential pain problems?

Yes, if you can:

1) Maintain good posture in your heels or without heels

2) Enough time to stretch muscles which may be tight

3) Have strong muscles on your back, legs, calf.

4) No existing pain or discomfort. Fully recovered from any injuries

Wearing heels may initially start off with mild discomfort, but over time may cause more severe pain. Most people ignore these, unknowingly problem becomes worse. It is important to seek treatment from a physiotherapist in Singapore as soon possible to prevent further tissue damage. Also, check with a physiotherapist regarding your foot type if suitable for heels. If you want to know if you can wear heels safely, book an appointment with Physioclinic. Don’t let a few added inches of heel, add on to your pain problems