High Heeled Shoes Keep Getting Higher and Causing Problems

Good Morning America had a segment today about the ever-increasing height of women's high-heeled shoes. Where 3 inches is average and 4 inches is considered too high by many, shoes are now 8 inches high...even as high as an 11 inch stiletto heel!

They interviewed Kelly Ripa, co-host of "Live With Regis & Kelly" who is well-known for her high heels. She even wore high heels with crutches after suffering a stress fracture in her hip! She started the "High Heel-a-thon" which is a charity footrace of 150 yards. A Houston Podiatrist's dream! Imagine the injuries from that race!

Lately there have been a rash of high profile spills due to high heels.  Lady Gaga, Beyonce, and Mariah Carey all took very public falls during performances because of their high heels. In fact, in my Houston podiatry office, I'm seeing a significant amount of serious ankle sprains due to women twisting off of their high heeled shoes. Because the foot only bends so much, the higher heel heights require a platform beneath the toe. This gives the ankle extra height to twist on the way down and causes a more serious injury.

Consistently wearing high heels also causes problems with the Achilles tendon. Keeping the heel elevated causes the Achilles tendon to shorten, causing problems such as Achilles tendinitis, which is an inflammation where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel. The extreme shoes can also exacerbate pain from a bunion.

Will I say not to ever wear high-heeled shoes? Definitely not! (Besides, you wouldn't listen anyway!) Just be aware of how much walking you will be doing and the surface where you will be walking. And if you think you may end up on stage dancing....be careful!