In the recent years, many disputes have emerged about the stiletto's negative impact on your body. GPs sigh in dismay when a woman approaches them with back complaints, osteopaths shake their heads, and health sections of newspapers becoming increasingly vocal about the evils of the stiletto. But are they really that bad? Certainly, your feet may be a bit painful after you've worn high heels, and your calves may become slightly tender, but once you grow accustomed to wearing them on a regular basis, your body does too - and your feet and calves will be better for it.
It is high time someone tackled these myths head-on. Some already have: earlier this year the BBC published an article which argued that wearing high heels can actually be beneficial. We shall therefore challenge three common myths about the stiletto, and then examine the ways in which heels might have a positive influence on the body.
Myth #1: High heels are a source of back problems. Senior osteopaths say this is not necessarily the case. Only those with a pre-disposition for back injuries are likely to get one - but that doesn't mean all of us will suffer as a result of wearing heels. While it is true that walking on 8-inch stilettos for days on end can result in too much pressure being put on the front of the ankles (which leads to postural problems) if you wear your heels wisely, this should not be a problem. Instead of walking to work in high heels, for instance, keep the stilettos at the office and commute to work in your trainers.
Myth #2 : Stilettos cause the lower back and neck to become stiff. Not exactly. Stiffness, osteopaths claim, has less to do with the fact that you're wearing heels, and more to do with how you wear them. If you are already experiencing postural problems even without wearing shoes (such as tilting your back), then of course stilettos will problem make that problem worse as they add pressure to the lower back. If you make sure you are standing straight and assume the right posture before you slip on the heels, however, you avoid any future problems. If fact, high heels often have the tendency to correct a woman's posture, as they help them balance their weight. Stiffness is therefore no a direct result of wearing stilettos.
Myth #3: Heels are bad for your muscles in general. Again, a common misconception. Your muscles can become sore by wearing heels excessively, but this can all be avoided as suggested for Myth #1. In fact, a recent study reveals that women who wear stilettos have tighter pelvic muscles and stronger legs. As long as you vary the type of shoe you are wearing every day, you face no danger of overexerting your muscles.
Another interesting discovery about the advantages of the stiletto was uncovered by Italian Urologist Dr. Cerruto, as mentioned in the BBC article. Because the foot is being forced into a certain angle by the shape of the heel, Cerruto explains, the pelvic muscles get a work out. As a woman pelvic floor functions are key to sexual performance, the idea that this performance might be improved simply by wearing heels is certainly not unwelcome.
Regardless of what myths or truths you chose to believe about stilettos, the bottom line is that there is always a solution that is right for you. If you do experience long-term problems, do not hesitate to contact your osteopath, but remember that these issues are not necessarily linked with the heels you wear. - 16004
It is high time someone tackled these myths head-on. Some already have: earlier this year the BBC published an article which argued that wearing high heels can actually be beneficial. We shall therefore challenge three common myths about the stiletto, and then examine the ways in which heels might have a positive influence on the body.
Myth #1: High heels are a source of back problems. Senior osteopaths say this is not necessarily the case. Only those with a pre-disposition for back injuries are likely to get one - but that doesn't mean all of us will suffer as a result of wearing heels. While it is true that walking on 8-inch stilettos for days on end can result in too much pressure being put on the front of the ankles (which leads to postural problems) if you wear your heels wisely, this should not be a problem. Instead of walking to work in high heels, for instance, keep the stilettos at the office and commute to work in your trainers.
Myth #2 : Stilettos cause the lower back and neck to become stiff. Not exactly. Stiffness, osteopaths claim, has less to do with the fact that you're wearing heels, and more to do with how you wear them. If you are already experiencing postural problems even without wearing shoes (such as tilting your back), then of course stilettos will problem make that problem worse as they add pressure to the lower back. If you make sure you are standing straight and assume the right posture before you slip on the heels, however, you avoid any future problems. If fact, high heels often have the tendency to correct a woman's posture, as they help them balance their weight. Stiffness is therefore no a direct result of wearing stilettos.
Myth #3: Heels are bad for your muscles in general. Again, a common misconception. Your muscles can become sore by wearing heels excessively, but this can all be avoided as suggested for Myth #1. In fact, a recent study reveals that women who wear stilettos have tighter pelvic muscles and stronger legs. As long as you vary the type of shoe you are wearing every day, you face no danger of overexerting your muscles.
Another interesting discovery about the advantages of the stiletto was uncovered by Italian Urologist Dr. Cerruto, as mentioned in the BBC article. Because the foot is being forced into a certain angle by the shape of the heel, Cerruto explains, the pelvic muscles get a work out. As a woman pelvic floor functions are key to sexual performance, the idea that this performance might be improved simply by wearing heels is certainly not unwelcome.
Regardless of what myths or truths you chose to believe about stilettos, the bottom line is that there is always a solution that is right for you. If you do experience long-term problems, do not hesitate to contact your osteopath, but remember that these issues are not necessarily linked with the heels you wear. - 16004
About the Author:
Andrew Mitchell, editor of Osteopath Network, writes articles about osteopathy, back pain, neck pain and soft tissue injuries. If you are looking for a Exeter osteopath or for an osteopath in the UK please visit his website.
