Women Continue to Fall For Killer Heels

The next time you happen to be in an environment full of fashion-conscious, high-heeled women, bear in mind that around one in 10 of them has received medical attention for injuries caused by those very shoes.

A survey by Hotter Shoes in the UK shows that some women go to such extreme lengths to wear trendy footwear, that almost half experience twisted ankles.

Others report having suffered twisted knees, infected blisters, bunions and torn tendons - some have even been hospitalised for broken ankles. Add varicose veins, ingrown toenails and calluses to the list of maladies, and its little wonder that a man might be left shaking his head in wonder at this love of the high heel.

The study of the footwear choices of 3000 women in the UK found that women go to amazing lengths to endure the pain and discomfort of a pair of killer heels.

“What is even more remarkable is that these women are on their feet all day tackling their careers, managing their social lives and caring for their families,” says Robyn Farrell, managing director of 1st for Women Insurance Brokers, the authority on all things female.

Despite the pain and suffering in the name of Sex and the City chic, as long as a beautiful pair of heels continues to increase a woman’s confidence and turn heads, women will continue to wear them. Therefore, a few tips are in order to decrease the number of injuries that may necessitate a trip to the emergency room:

• Wear high heels in moderation - keep your heels for a special occasion, and use pumps or flat shoes as a chic, comfortable alternative.
• Take shorter steps, ensuring that the risk of pulling a leg muscle when walking is reduced. Never run while wearing heels.
• Change the height of your heel - wearing the same pair too often can cause your soles to form corns or calluses. By changing your shoes and the height of your heels every day, you give your muscles a chance to stretch and the skin of your soles a chance to soften.
• Don’t drink and walk. Alcohol and heels are a bad mix, often exacerbating the number of falls, leading to more serious injuries.
• Wear gel products which offer cushioning and support for high-heel wearers. They can be slipped into pumps and give comfort for the front of your feet.