Are High Heels Bad For Your Feet?
We've always suspected (and lived in denial) that our highest stilettos are probably doing a number on our feet-but now there's proof. A new study published in Foot & Ankle International (the official journal of the American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society [AOFAS]) spells out in excruciating detail the specific harm that heels can do. The study found a significant increase in pressure on the edges of the bones that connect to the toes as heel height increased-a problem that can lead to pain, calluses and (yikes!) bone deformities.
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Though, of course, the study authors suggest limiting heel height to no more than .8 inches (sorry guys-not going to happen), there are other improvements you can make besides retiring your Louboutins. AOFAS suggests adding padding at the ball of the foot to reduce discomfort and injury risk, shortening your heel height even a little (a two-inch heel, for example, causes fewer problems that a four-inch heel), wearing open toe shoes, and frequently kicking off your shoes during the day.
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