Angela Kelly of England says she was left crippled after a lifetime of wearing high heels. The 67-year-old first became aware of the problem four years ago while on a shopping trip. The former All England badminton mixed doubles champion was in so much pain she was latching onto her cart to help her move.

Kelly had suffered damage in her feet and knees due to wearing only high heels for nearly thirty years. Although many women wear high heels to boost their confidence, the ending results of high heel wearing can have extremely negative effects on the body.

The effects of high heels can cause many complications in the feet. If you have any concerns about your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet
High heels are popular shoes among women because they are associated with femininity.  Despite their appeal, they can cause many health problems if worn too frequently.



What parts my body will be affected by high heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – may shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – they decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  Also, the vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What kinds of foot problems can develop from wearing high heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How can I still wear high heels and maintain foot health?
If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read More about the effects of high heels.