To Heel or to Heal: The Stiletto Debate

                                                                                         

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 put these rumours to rest. Some people have done so already: earlier this year, an article was published by the BBC which argued that high heels do have benefits on the body. Here we shall challenge three of the most common myths regarding stilettos, and proceed to look at the ways in which your body can benefit from them.

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 not good for your muscles. Again, a false assumption. While some might experience soreness after wearing stilettos too often, this can be avoided as prescribed in Myth #1. A recent study has revealed that, in fact, women who wear high heels have stronger leg and pelvic muscles. As long as there is variation in the shoes you wear every day, you don't have to worry about 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.

Despite the many myths that float around regarding stilettos, there is always a solution for your individual needs. As long as you pay attention to the cues your body gives off, and you wear high heels in moderation, there should be no reason for you to sacrifice those sexy stilettos.

About the author:
Andrew Mitchell, co-ordinator of Osteopath Network, writes articles about osteopathy, back pain, neck pain and soft tissue injuries. If you are looking for a Croydon osteopath or for an osteopath in the UK please visit his website.

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