There has been much debate in recent years over the negative impacts that high heels can have on your body. Doctors shake their heads in dismay when women come to them with back problems, osteopaths tut, and the local newspaper's health section goes into a frenzy about the evils of stilettos. But are they really that bad? All right, after you wear them, your feet can be a little painful and your calves might twinge a bit for a couple of days, but once worn on a regular basis, your body does get accustomed to high heels - and your calves and feet will be tougher for it.
It is high time someone put a stop to these myths. Some people have already done so: earlier this year, the BBC came out with an article that suggested that high heels can, in fact, have favourable impacts on the body. That is why we shall challenge three pre-existing myths on the stiletto, and will subsequently explore how these can actually benefit the body.
Myth #1: Heels lead to back problems. Top Osteopaths say this isn't necessarily true. Not everyone will automatically suffer from back injuries as a result of wearing stilettos - only those who are predisposed to back grievances are more likely to have them. Of course, walking on 8-inch heels all week can lead to postural problems (as a result of too much pressure on the ankles), this should not be a problem if you take care of yourself. Instead of wearing stilettos all day, for instance, wear them only at places such as the office, while wearing trainers at home, and while you travel to and from the office.
Myth #2: Stilettos result in stiffness in the neck and lower back. Pure rumour. Osteopaths note that stiffness has more to do with how you wear the heels - and less to do with the fact that you're wearing them. If you already have problems with your posture even before put on heels (i.e. titling your back), then your postural predisposition will be aggravated by wearing heels, as they add pressure to the lower back. However, if you make sure you assume a straight posture before slipping on those stilettos, then the problem can be avoided altogether. In fact, it has been argued that heels can actually correct a woman's posture by forcing her to balance her weight, and therefore stiffness is not a direct result of wearing high heels.
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.
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. - 14130
It is high time someone put a stop to these myths. Some people have already done so: earlier this year, the BBC came out with an article that suggested that high heels can, in fact, have favourable impacts on the body. That is why we shall challenge three pre-existing myths on the stiletto, and will subsequently explore how these can actually benefit the body.
Myth #1: Heels lead to back problems. Top Osteopaths say this isn't necessarily true. Not everyone will automatically suffer from back injuries as a result of wearing stilettos - only those who are predisposed to back grievances are more likely to have them. Of course, walking on 8-inch heels all week can lead to postural problems (as a result of too much pressure on the ankles), this should not be a problem if you take care of yourself. Instead of wearing stilettos all day, for instance, wear them only at places such as the office, while wearing trainers at home, and while you travel to and from the office.
Myth #2: Stilettos result in stiffness in the neck and lower back. Pure rumour. Osteopaths note that stiffness has more to do with how you wear the heels - and less to do with the fact that you're wearing them. If you already have problems with your posture even before put on heels (i.e. titling your back), then your postural predisposition will be aggravated by wearing heels, as they add pressure to the lower back. However, if you make sure you assume a straight posture before slipping on those stilettos, then the problem can be avoided altogether. In fact, it has been argued that heels can actually correct a woman's posture by forcing her to balance her weight, and therefore stiffness is not a direct result of wearing high heels.
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.
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. - 14130
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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