When people say “beauty is pain,” it takes on a whole new meaning when it comes to the shoes you wear. The high heel trend has gone from wedges and low pumps to high stilettos. Naturally, women everywhere would rather walk in pain than give up their shoes. But according to specialists and resources like fixmypain.ca, they say that wearing high heels for extended periods of time can cause nerve damage in your lower back and potentially lead to painful back conditions.
When you wear high heels (especially when the heel is two inches or higher) it causes your foot to slide forward in the shoe. This forces the toes to bend uncomfortably to fit into the unusual shape of the shoe. Being forced into the forefront of the shoe, your body weight is redistributed incorrectly. According to doctors, “the increased weight on your toes causes your body to tilt forward, and to compensate, you lean backwards and overarch your back, creating a posture that can strain your knees, hips, and lower back.”
As a consequence, doctors warn that "the change to the position of your spine puts pressure on nerves in the back and can cause sciatica, a condition where nerves become trapped, triggering pain and numbness as far down as the feet." Any time you wear shoes that restrict the natural shape of your foot, it will cause pain in your feet that could eventually spread up your leg and into your back.
In fact, feet are a major factor when it comes to back pain. Wearing high heels shortens your calves and your back muscles, which leads to muscle spasms and pain throughout your nerves that lead to other back pain. If you start to feel your back tightening up, stop and stretch your legs to prevent any further pain.
The back pain that comes from wearing high heels can be prevented, or at least minimized if you take certain precautions when wearing heels. If it important to plan ahead and pack an extra pair of shoes if you know you will be on your feet for a longer period of time than you are used to. Additionally, it helps to alternate your shoes every day to allow your body to move naturally. If you do have to wear high heels for an extended period of time, make sure they are the right size and consider putting insoles in them so that you can give your feet and legs extra support throughout the day.
Though wearing high heels is not ideal for back pain, it does not mean that you cannot wear them at all. No woman can go without heels for very long. Taking the necessary precautions when wearing high heels allows you to dress comfortably and stylishly without any worries. As long as you have the right pair of high heels you should be able to walk around without back pain. Beauty is pain, but pain is not always beautiful.
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