October 20, 2009 – Women who wear high-heeled shoes, sandals or ballet flats increase their risk of suffering from chronic heel pain, according to an American study.
This risk would be increased by 67% compared to those who wear adequate footwear, such as sneakers, running shoes or shoes with good soles and shock-absorbing heels.
The study was conducted among 3,378 people with an average age of 66 years. The cohort consisted of 1,477 men and 1,901 women. The authors collected data on the type of shoes worn by participants at various times in their lives. Then, they compared this data to the incidence of chronic foot pain reported by the subjects. The results indicated that wearing the wrong footwear, including the high-heeled shoe, had the effect of causing a marked increase in chronic heel pain.
This association was only significant in women. The researchers report that the vast majority of male subjects (98%) generally wore adequate shoes, while a higher proportion of women wore or had often worn high heels, sandals or ballet flats.
According to researchers, the heel is the part of the foot that takes the brunt of the impact shock caused by every step you take. That’s why, they point out, it’s important to wear shoes with a flat heel that are as cushioned as possible to minimize the impact.
Among other factors believed to affect chronic foot pain, the study authors point to excess weight. The heavier we are, they explain, the greater the impact of each step is on the complex physiology of the foot.
Overall, 25% of participants reported suffering from chronic foot pain. Generalized foot pain was reported in 19% of men and 29% of women.
Pierre Lefrançois – PasseportSanté.net
1. Dufour AB, Broe KE, Nguyen US, et al. Foot pain: Is current or past shoewear a factor?, Arthritis Rheum, 2009 Sep 29; 61 (10): 1352-1358.
