Risks Posed by High-Heeled Shoes

1. Risks Posed by High-
Heeled Shoes

2. 
A prominent orthopedic surgeon with
extensive experience treating foot and ankle
issues, Steven Neufeld, MD, practices at the
Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center of
Washington in Falls Church, Virginia. Steven
Neufeld, MD, is also an active member of the
American Academy of Orthopaedic
Surgeons. Over the years, Dr. Steven
Neufeld has treated a number of women with
pain resulting from the regular use of
high heels.

3. 
High heels typically require the wearer to
place her weight on the balls of her feet and
significantly shorten her strides. This
produces strain on the feet, legs, hips, and
back. Over a long enough period of time,
walking in high heels can cause serious
damage to various bones, muscles and
tendons.

4. 
To avoid injuring themselves, women should
alternate between high heels and flat shoes
such as sneakers. This will prevent them from
getting used to walking on the balls of their
feet. When women do wear high heels, they
should make a point to take them off several
times during the day, and to walk around and
stretch their legs in a normal and healthy
manner.