unHealthy shoes......

Ok! WHAT? A girl "gotta" love some height in her shoes! They give you an extra inch of confidence and sassiness. Unfortunately, someone has to always find negatives to things we thought could never be "unhealthy" such as SHOES. As much as I'm hesitating to share the bad news, I have to do it. So, here I go "bursting bubbles." As fashionable as it is to flaunt heels; apparently, they are not so good for your feet and body.

1) Abnormal Posture
A high heel shoe places your foot in a plantarflexed (foot pointed downward) position, putting more pressure on your forefoot. This means your whole body has to adjust itself so you can remain in balance and this is not your normal posture.

2) Foot Problems
Heels increase the pressure on the bottom of the forefoot. The pressure increases as the height of the shoe heel increases. The increased pressure may lead to pain or foot deformities such as hammer toes, bunions, bunionettes (tailor's bunions) and neuromas. In addition, a condition called Haglund's deformity (pump bump) may result. The pointed, narrow toe box found in high heel shoes also causes corns, callouses and blisters.

3) Hard to Walk
When walking, your foot is in a "plantarflexed" form. In other words, you are unable to push off the ground with as much force. This causes your hip flexor muscles in your legs to work harder to move and pull your body forward. In addition, your knees stay bent and forward, causing your knee muscles to also work harder.

4) Off Balance
High-heels put you at risk of losing balance and spraining your ankles.

5) Back Pain
The normal s-curve shape of the back acts as a shock absorber, reducing stress on the vertebrae. Wearing high heels causes a change in this position and causes you to lean forward. The body's responds to this by decreasing the forward curve of your lower back to help keep you in line. Poor alignment may lead to muscle overuse and back pain.

6) Sore Ankles
High heels limit the power and movement of the ankle joint.

Ok, so does this mean, no more high heels?

No! It is recommended you only wear high heels for special occasions and even then only a heel height of 1.5 inches."

So take caution........

Love your feet. Love your body. ALWAYS.