Doctor says wearing high heels poses more dangers than just foot pain
It’s a step in the wrong direction.
A plastic surgeon posted on TikTok explaining the “dangers of high heels” – and how they could be harming more than just your feet.
Dr. Reza Tirgari, @drreza_t took to TikTok to share with his 516,900 followers what can happen if you wear stilettos every day.
“Ladies, you look great in high heels, but at what cost?” said the 54-year-old doctor and fitness trainer from San Diego, California in the video.
“Buddy toes, hammer toes, the risk of ankle injuries and sprains skyrocket when wearing super high heels,” Tirgari explained.
But it’s not just your feet that can be damaged.
Tirgari said wearing these high heels can also increase your risk of back strain because it tightens your hip flexors and puts your back in a “really unnatural position where your back has to compensate.”
He added that it also “reduces the shock absorption of the natural curvature of your spine,” which changes with high heels.
“So you absorb stress differently, which can actually increase your back pain,” Tirgari said. “And when you tighten the hip flexors, it creates chronic tension, which can lead to chronic back pain.”
Tirgari continued that there is evidence that wearing high heels can also “change your knee torque and cause knee problems as well.”
But if it’s you and your high heels soleFriends, Tirgari has shared some safety and prevention tips so you don’t have to worry too much.
His first piece of advice was to shorten the gestation period.
“Don’t wear them to the office all day,” he exclaimed.
He added that one should opt for the shortest possible heel and save the taller heels for special occasions.
“It’s really not that bad,” he said. “If you’re spending a night on the town, you can swap them out for a higher heel.”
He continued: “But my recommendation is to avoid wearing heels as often as possible for long periods of time and you can avoid many of these risks.”
Another worrisome shoe trend emerged over the summer after the “Barbie” movie took the internet by storm.
Margot Robbie’s now-iconic arched foot scene led to people on TikTok recreating her for the “Barbie Foot Challenge.”
“Although the Barbie bow makes a woman’s legs appear longer and toned, it is not without risk. If someone tries the pose once or twice, they’ll probably be fine and produce a great TikTok video,” said Dr. Jodi R. Schoenhaus, DPM, RPhs, FACFAS and board-certified podiatrist at the Foot, Ankle & Leg Vein Center, previously Die Post.
“However, if you attempt the pose and step for a long period of time, there are some risks involved. The ankle is unstable, which can lead to ligament strains and injuries that often occur when wearing high heels.”
Dr. Schoenhaus added that the high-arched position of Barbie’s foot can lead to muscle and spine problems because it puts strain on the lower back – and can also damage growth plates – a warning for younger girls who are still growing.
Another heel trend sparked by Barbiecore is “Barbie foot heels,” which are simply see-through heels.
