If you enjoy wearing high-heeled shoes to the office or when going out to dinner or dancing, you most likely enjoy the feeling of increased height along with the attention you get from others. High heels are a fashion statement that can cause problems over time, however. If you wear them regularly, you may be putting your feet, back, and entire stature at risk. Here are some of the effects high heels can cause, which might help you to rethink your wardrobe options in an attempt to ward off some of the conditions you could suffer from.

Ankle Movement Is Restricted

When wearing high-heeled shoes, you need to stiffen your ankles as you walk so you do not wobble and fall. This stiffening can cause problems with your Achilles tendon and calf muscles over time. When you switch to flat-soled shoes after wearing heels for several days, you will notice pain in the calf area. Massage will lessen the pain a bit, but if you go back to heels after a few days, the cycle will continue.

Toes Are Squeezed Together

If you wear high heels with a pointed toe area, the ball of your foot and all of your toes will be squished together in a tight area. Your toes will be grasping at the bottom of the shoe so you do not fall over. This causes many problems with the feet when you wear heels day after day. Plantar fasciitis, corns, hammertoe, and bunions are just some of the ailments you could experience. These will leave your feet feeling pain and looking less than sandal ready. 

Posture Is Altered

When you wear heels, your back and leg muscles become used to shifting to another position to help keep you upright. Your center of gravity is pushed forward when wearing heels, often compressing the vertebrae in your spine as a result. When you wear heels regularly you become accustomed to this posture. When you take them off, your gait is altered as your muscles are trained to hold you upright in another position. This will cause you to appear as if you are walking strangely when you do not have your high heels on.

Knees Are Weakened

Wearing high heels puts a strain on the fronts of your legs, especially in the knees. To keep your balance steady, you will need to push your knees outward. This awkward positioning can result in regenerative arthritis over time, causing you to need medication or to use warm compresses to ease pain.

Do yourself a favor and limit the amount of time you walk in heels or stop wearing them all together. If you are experiencing any of the issues mentioned above, contact an establishment like ETL Podiatry for help.