Women and shoes! Need we say more!?! And there are plenty of women who simply adore high heels. The higher, the better! Stilettos! Pumps! Pretty Woman Boots! You name them, we either have them or want them. They make us look and feel sexy.
But, they are killing more than just our feet! Those high heels are pitching the entire body forward. Once this happens, the body begins to subconsciously try to pull it back to center. This creates a cross-action that creates muscle imbalances which leads to pain and discomfort.
As the body tips farther forward, the low-back muscles, quads and calf muscles all engage to help hold the body height out that far from base (feet). All the body weight is now concentrated onto the ball of the foot.
The tibialis muscles going down the front of the lower legs are being strained (which causes restless leg syndrome). All body weight is on the ball of the foot, not the heel of the foot.
The longer we wear our precious heels, the more torque we are putting on those specific muscles listed above. As they become stronger they’re also more stiff because of overuse. This will make all those muscles stronger and thus, LARGER.
Meanwhile, the opposing muscles, like the abs, glutes and hamstrings become less used and therefore weaker. You may end up with HUGE quads or calves, for example.
Not to mention the wear and tear on your feet from standing in high heels! You will destroy the nerves around your toes if you continue to walk in high heel shoes. Even though you think they look beautiful, you really should try not to wear them often or for long periods of time.
We sure didn’t see all of that coming when we tried on our first pair of heels as a child!
Tennis shoes and flats are looking prettier and sexier now!