It’s the party season and if you’re one of the many women who can’t (or won’t) say no to a stylish pair of heels, you could be putting your back at risk!
According to our Fareham chiropractor, wearing high heels can take a big toll on the body, in particular the spine. High heels force the foot into unusual angles which can pull muscles and joints out of alignment. That’s why it isn’t uncommon for people who frequently wear high heels to suffer from back, neck and shoulder pain.
Not everyone is aware of this, but the plantar fascia in the foot is connected to the calf muscle, which connects to the hamstring. The hamstring attaches to the pelvis and low back, which explains why wearing high heels can cause back pain. Also, walking on the balls of your feet in heels will shift your centre of gravity forward, forcing you to arch your back when you stand and altering the way you walk.
According to our chiropractor, the slope of the shoe is also more important than height of the heel. If you simply have to wear those sky-scraper heels, look for a platform sole to minimise the angle between the heel and the ball of the foot. This will help your weight to be more evenly distributed. A thicker heel will also spread your weight more evenly and reduce the risk of spraining your ankle.
Narrow toe boxes are also something you should avoid at all costs. Any shoes you wear should fit snugly and hold your foot firmly in place.
At this time of year, it can be easy to neglect the health of your spine in favour of those cloud-skimming shoes! Just keep your back in mind this festive season. Trust us; we’ve seen the effects of frequently wearing the wrong things on your feet, and they’re not pretty!