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High Heels and Spine Health

High Heels and Spine Health


About This Blog:

  • Patients with spine problems may wonder if their daily, long-term high heel use is the cause of their back pain.
  • In short, wearing high heels frequently could create a series of health problems, including changes in the anatomy of the spine.
  • In this blog, Dr. Mark Giovanini of NeuroMicroSpine explains the impact of high heels as it pertains to the health of a patient’s spine.

foot pain from high heels

What's the deal with high heels?

Although a popular footwear choice, high heels can cause long-term health problems for the feet and spine. According to the American Osteopathic Association, up to a third of women who wear high heels regularly suffer from some type of permanent damage. In addition to causing damage to the feet (i.e. ingrown toenails, damaged toe and leg tendons, plantar fasciitis, hammertoes, etc.), high heels can also lead to low back pain when worn consistently.

Think about it: high heels force the body to compensate for always being off-balance. They cause your hips, shoulders, and spine to hunch forward, which can throw your spine out of alignment. As a result, patients often suffer from increased pressure on the low back, knees, calves, ankles, and balls of the feet.

Are there serious repercussions to long-term high heel use?

After a while, the increased pressure that's being placed on your low back, knees, calves, ankles, and feet will cause the curve of your spine to flatten in certain areas. Healthy spines are in the shape of an “s” not only to absorb shock, but to also reduce pressure on vulnerable vertebrae. High heels cause areas of the spine, such as the cervical and thoracic regions, to become displaced. When this happens, the upper back and shoulders begin to lean forward, causing the spinal condition kyphosis, or “a hunched back.” In short, postural problems arise, causing pain and discomfort to various body parts. 

wear flats to combat foot pain from high heels

Conservative Techniques to Reduce High Heel Pain

To reduce back pain and prevent some of the above-mentioned foot-related symptoms from developing, consider the following:

  • Avoid wearing heels over two inches on a daily basis.
  • If you choose to wear heels, wear the kind with a rounded toe – not a pointed one!
  • Try to wear tennis shoes, flats, boots, or some other type of shoe every other time you wear heels.
  • Do not try to squeeze your feet into ill-fitting shoes. Either ask for the next size up or don’t wear them at all!
  • According to The Daily Mail, heels with a 3-inch heel cause 76% more pressure on the foot compared to a 2-inch heel (57%) and 1-inch heel (22%).

Although quitting high heel use “cold turkey” isn’t exactly realistic, it is important patients consider these tips to minimize their risk of long-term health problems. If you’re experiencing chronic low back pain due to heels or for any reason at all, call NeuroMicroSpine today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Giovanini!

For more information on minimally invasive spine surgery or to make an appointment with Dr. Giovanini, please call (850) 934-7545 or visit https://www.neuromicrospine.com/request-appointment.

We hope to see you soon!

The advice and information contained in this article are for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.