High heels up arthritis risk--study
POSTED June 11, 2011 - 12:20 | POSTED BY Yashika kapoor
Last edited by Silky Chandvani on June 11, 2011 - 12:09
According to the findings of a new Brit study, women who wear heels or inappropriate footwears are more likely to develop arthritis later in life as compared to women who prefer wearing flats or wear heels occasionally.
A group of UK-based researchers led by Professor Anthony Redmond, a podiatrist and researcher at the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, initiated the present study that found a connection between wearing ill-fitting footwears and arthritis.
The researchers found that almost 60 percent of arthritis that results in pain and stiffness of the joints is caused in people who prefer wearing stilettos.
“Killer heels and inadequate shoes could leave Britons facing an epidemic of arthritis. Although you are more likely to develop arthritis as you get older, it can occur at any age. The good news is there are simple things you can do to help prevent and treat it,” said lead researcher Prof. Redmond.
77% wear wrong footwear
For the study, the researchers from the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists conducted a survey on more than 2,000 people in the UK and concluded that an epidemic of arthritis is heading towards the nation.
They found that almost 77 percent of men and women wore footwear that was inappropriate for the shoe type. Also, about one-third women in the UK wear high heels on a daily basis and these are specially a must-have for most celebrities.
Wear specific footwear for all activities
Talking about wearing specific shoes for all activities, Professor Anthony Redmond gave example of shoes that were best suited for exercise.
He said, “When doing exercise, wearing trainers fitted and designed specifically for that form of exercise will both improve performance and protect from injury. Those who wear trainers that are not designed for sporting activity are placing themselves at real risk.”
The study informed that in some sports, the forces through the joints exceed eight times the body weight and thus the need for wearing the right footwear cannot be ignored.
“Choosing the right footwear will help minimize the stress placed on the feet and joints during everyday activity and help reduce the risk of injury and joint damage,” the research head said.
Researchers suggest that on a daily basis, women should choose round-toed shoes and the heel height should be kept not more than two to three centimeters.
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