he effects of high heeled shoes on female gait: a review
High heels make walking harder. They change how your body moves, requiring more effort and putting stress on your joints. This can lead to problems like foot pain, ankle injuries, and even knee osteoarthritis. Even if you wear high heels often, your body may not adapt to them completely, and you could experience discomfort or injury when you switch to flat shoes.
Keywords:
- gait
- high heeled shoes
- biomechanics
Analysis:
This article provides a comprehensive review of the literature on the effects of high heels on female gait. It summarizes the biomechanical changes that occur with high heel use and highlights the potential for both acute and chronic negative effects on the musculoskeletal system. The author discusses the implications of these findings for women's health and recommends further research to address the limitations of existing studies and to investigate the long-term consequences of habitual high heel use
However, the author acknowledges the limitations of the available research and calls for more comprehensive studies with larger sample sizes and standardized protocols. Additionally, the author highlights the need for future research to address the long-term consequences of habitual high heel use and to develop strategies for minimizing the potential for injury and discomfort
Key findings include:
- High heels increase energy expenditure during walking
- High heels alter the distribution of forces within the foot, potentially contributing to foot deformities and pain
- High heels increase knee flexion and varus moments, potentially contributing to knee pain and osteoarthritis
- High heels increase muscle activity in the lower back and legs, potentially contributing to fatigue and pain
- High heels may lead to structural adaptations in the gastrocnemius muscle and Achilles tendon
