For women who Wear Heels, serious knee problems may be a part of the future

New research shows that women who wear heels are damaging more than just their feet. Research by Harvard Medical School's Department of Physical Medicine Rehabilitation shows high heels may result in osteoarthritis of the knees. Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis that destroys protective cartilage that surrounds bone.

To prove the dangers of wearing high heels, 20 women were asked to walk in two pairs of shoes. One pair had a narrow heel with a width of 1.2 centimeters, and the other, a wider heel measuring 4.5 centimeters.

During the study, women first walked 10 meters in their bare feet and then walked the same distance in both types of heels. The study used a special walkway that recorded the women's movements and calculated the forward and sideways forces exerted by each step when barefooted and when wearing heels.

The researchers found that wearing stiletto heels caused a 26 percent increase in varus torque, a type of pressure that compresses the middle of the knee joint, a common area where osteoarthritis develops. The wider-heeled shoes were not much better, causing a 22 percent increase in varus torque.

The Harvard study is the first to link wearing heels with osteoarthritis. And, say researchers, the higher the heels you wear, the greater your risk for developing the disease.

If you're still determined to wear heels, despite the health risks, here are a few tips:

• Wear heels that fit properly. Women tend to wear heels and other type of shoes that are too small. If you wear heels that don't fit, your feet and knees will suffer.
• Wear heels only for a few hours at a time. After a few hours, remove heels and give your feet a rest.
• Watch for pain when you wear heels. If your back, knees or feet hurt, remove your shoes.

Remember, you don't have to wear heels. There are plenty of low-heeled or no-heeled shoes that are stylish and won't lead to injury. To learn more, talk to your healthcare professional. Your doctor can advise you on whether or not you should continue to wear heels.

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