High heeled shoes linked to arthritis
Experts are warning that shoes with high heels, one of the ultimate fashion accessories for women, could be a possible cause of arthritis.
It is thought that the way in which the foot sits in high heels can increase the amount of pressure and strain which is put on knee and ankle joints.
This increases the risk of developing one of the most common forms of arthritis; osteoarthritis, which leads to pain and stiffness in the joints.
Osteoarthritis is a condition which is particularly prevalent among women, who also experience more severe symptoms than men.
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Approximately a quarter of women wear high heels frequently if not every day, according to a survey of 2,000 women which was conducted by the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists.
The Society is advising women to wear round-toed shoes with high heels of 2-3cm and ‘shock absorbing’ soles.
Six out of 10 people with osteoarthritis have it in their feet and the Society believe an ‘arthritis crisis’ could be soon be a reality as a result of high heels and badly fitting shoes.
One problem which does add to the risk of Osteoarthritis, the Society says, is that most people do not wear the correct trainers for the sport they are doing.
It is important that sports trainers are well fitted to the feet as people can exert eight times their body weight through their joints during sport.
Other contributing factors to rising incidences of arthritis are obesity and longer life spans.
