High heels: beware of the harmful effects on your health

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Extract from the article: High heels are often seen as a symbol of elegance and femininity. But behind their aesthetic appeal lies a less glamorous reality. These shoes, which elongate the figure and boost self-confidence, are also responsible for numerous musculoskeletal dis

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High heels are often seen as a symbol of elegance and femininity. But behind their aesthetic appeal lies a less glamorous reality. These shoes, which elongate the figure and boost self-confidence, are also responsible for numerous musculoskeletal disorders.

Amy, 24, who works in a clothing shop, shares her experience: « Wearing heels made me feel more professional, but after a few months I developed persistent back pain. My doctor told me it was due to the pressure on my spine. The most important thing is to feel good in your shoes and in your skin ». As for Tata Féli, 35, a trader at the Lomé market, she regrets her past choices: « I would have liked to have been warned earlier about the risks. Today, I suffer from osteoarthritis as a result of years spent in heels ».

These testimonials illustrate a reality experienced by many women. According to the experts, high heels have a direct impact on posture and put excessive strain on muscles and joints.

Impact on health

Health professionals are unanimous. The dangers of wearing high-heeled shoes are enormous, both short- and long-term.High heels alter the body's natural alignment and exert a disproportionate amount of pressure on certain areas, particularly the spine, where the heels force an accentuated arch, increasing the risk of lumbar and neck pain.  On the knees too, premature wear and tear on the joints can lead to diseases such as osteoarthritis.Igor Komlan Takpake, Senior Technician in Podiatry at the National Orthopaedic Fitting Centre (CNAO) in Lomé, says: « Women who wear these shoes generally suffer from gonarthrosis, knee pain; malleolar fractures, ankle pain; and the spine is affected.We also have the health problem of hallux valgus, which is the deformation or deviation of the big toe towards the outside; with high-heeled shoes with needles, it's a woman's whole body that suffers ».

For fans who can't do without high-heeled shoes, Igor Komlan Takpake recommends wide heels, which are more stabilising. Stiletto heels should be avoided, as treating the illnesses caused by these shoes costs millions, especially when surgery is required.Elegance may demand high-heeled shoes, but health dictates otherwise.

Jean ELI & Evelyne OYEDELE