Abu Dhabi: Every woman is on the lookout for a perfect shoe to complement her outfit. However, not many pause to think of how much harm they will cause their feet if they decide to wear a pair of 10 inch (25.4cm) stilettos.
Back problems, foot deformities, and calf pain are all issues that women may face as a result of wearing high heels for prolonged periods of time. Sometimes the damage could be severe and might even require surgery.
Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Michel Chalouhi at Franco-Emirien Hospital in Abu Dhabi said: "Pointed toe shoes in particular are very harmful for your feet. They exert all the body's pressure on the toes, which is not natural".
"Some of the problems women can face from wearing them include a condition known as hallux valgus, which means that a portion of their big toe is turned out. It is painful and may need surgery," he said.
Serious deformities
High heels can cause serious deformities in other areas of the body also. For instance, many women who wear heels regularly feel uncomfortable in flat shoes, due to the shortening of the tendons and muscles in their calves, as Dr Chalouhi said.
A Canadian woman, identified as M.T., who works in administration, said: "Although I work long hours daily, I have to wear high heels to work, since I wear suits. It just looks more professional".
"It is true though that when I wear flat shoes, to go shopping for instance, that I do feel uncomfortable. I cannot stay in them for too long."
Fashion priority
Unfortunately, some women do not take this issue seriously enough, Dr. Chalouhi said. They preferred to prioritise fashion instead. "Some of our patients who undergo surgery are told not to wear heels any more. However, as soon as they leave, they go back to their former practices," he said.
University student Grace Saatdjian agreed. She said although heels were important to a woman's image, they should not be worn regularly. "Heels play a big part in a girl's image. They, at least in my opinion, make a girl feel more confident and attractive," the 22-year-old Armenian expatriate, said. "When I am on campus I wear sneakers or flip-flops.
"Girls might feel pressured by the idea that if they do not wear heels then they wont be taken seriously as grown women which makes them resort to this, or because they are self conscious of their height. But I believe that they should give themselves a break and look out for their health," she said.
Vital tips
- Refrain from wearing heels. They are not natural.
- If you have to, try to stick to platforms.
- Difference in height between the front of the shoe and the back should not exceed four centimetres.
- Rounded shoes are better than pointed-toe varieties.
What do you think is the right age to start wearing high heels? Do you think shoemakers should be stopped from manufacturing heels that might harm people's feet?
