We all know that there are some risks from wearing high heels. A recent Stanford University research puts some more light to help you take precautions.
The details from the survey were published in the March issue of Journal of Orthopaedic Research. The study examined 14 healty women who had to walk in several different types of shoes.
First they wore athletic shoes, then 1.5 inch and 3.3 inch high heels. The women did two walks in each pair one time with a body vest that provided 20% additional weight and one time without the vest. The women walked in their preffered speed and stride.
The goal was to see the effect of high heels on the wearer’s legs. According to the study, “Many of the changes observed with increasing heel height and weight were similar to those seen with aging and OA (knee osteoarthritis) progression. This suggests that high heel use, especially in combination with additional weight, may contribute to increased OA risk in women”.
“At preferred walking speed, knee flexion angle at heel-strike and midstance increased with increasing heel height and weight. Maximum knee extension moment during loading response decreased with added weight; maximum knee extension moment during terminal stance decreased with heel height; maximum adduction moments increased with heel height”, says the study.
Does that mean that you should give up your high heels? Well, not exactly. Actually it again points to the old tips – wear high heels from time to time, but not all the time. When you do wear high heels, take short breaks every now and then and relax your feet.
Also take good care of your feet and exercise. Work your way up the heel heights as you get used to them. Also improve your posture and stride. All of this will not only make you feel good and keep you in better shape, but will also make you look like a million bucks.
by 
