Does the use of high-heeled shoes lead to fore-foot pathology? A controlled cohort study comprising 197 women

Borchgrevink, Grethe E.; Viset, Annja T.; Witsø, Eivind; Schei, Berit; Foss, Olav A.

doi:10.1016/j.fas.2015.10.004

Cited by 27 publications

(23 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…Moreover, the plantar flexions of the ankle joints increased as the heel height increased, which contributed to the increased pressure on the forefoot. These changes in force distribution have been linked to forefoot deformities, such as hallux valgus, metatarsalgia, and callus formation [20,26].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Influences of high-heeled shoe parameters on gait cycle, center of pressure trajectory, and plantar pressure in young females during treadmill walking

Shang

Geng

Wang

et al. 2020

Preprint

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Background Between 39% and 69% of women wear high-heeled shoes. Previous studies have shown that high heels can induce adverse biomechanical effects, but variables, such as walking speed, structure, style, and material of the shoes, have not been strictly controlled. The purpose of this study is to investigate the influences of high-heeled shoe parameters on gait cycle, center of pressure trajectory, and plantar pressure in young females. Methods Twenty healthy adult females were recruited to participate in this study. Subjects walked on a treadmill at a fixed speed (1 m/s). Overall, six pairs of high-heeled shoes were evaluated, which consisted of two heel types (thin and thick) and three different heel heights (low (3 cm), medium (6 cm), and high (8.2 cm)). Subjects also wore one pair of flat shoes (with 0.6 cm heel height) as the control group, while they walked on the treadmill at the same speed. Results and their significance were evaluated using a Heel Height × Heel Type Two way repeated ANOVA Test. Results The main parameters measured were the gait cycle, center of pressure parameters, peak pressure (PP), maximum force, contact area (CA), and the force time integral (impulse). The comparison of these parameters, conducted when the volunteers wore thick heel and flat shoes at different walking conditions, indicated that thin heels caused significant increases in the preswing parameter, CA, and PP exerted on the first toe and first metatarsus. Increased heel heights yielded smaller gait line lengths, single support lines, and smaller hindfoot areas. By contrast, increased anterior–posterior positions and plantar pressure parameter values were noted in the case of the forefoot. Conclusions Data analyses showed significant differences in plantar pressure distribution associated with the heel height and heel type at increased pressure in the central forefoot region and decreased pressure in the midfoot and heel sections, which consisted of the increased anterior shift. The implication of this study is to provide scientific advice to women for their choices of high heel shoes.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Influences of high-heeled shoe parameters on gait cycle, center of pressure trajectory, and plantar pressure in young females during treadmill walking

Shang

Geng

Wang

et al. 2020

Preprint

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“…Habitual HHS wearing is believed to cause chronic adaptations in the musculoskeletal system. A forward shift of the center of mass results in an increase of vertical ground reaction forces applied to the forefoot when standing, particularly in the first metatarsal head …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, previous studies have been limited to demonstrating these biomechanical changes (which can lead in the long term to a degenerative disease process) and have not morphologically studied the distal femoral cartilage. Similarly, heel height elevation also causes compensations of the foot, such as growing shear stress at the heel and increased Achilles tendon (AT) stiffness . Therefore we also deemed it worthwhile to explore whether the AT and plantar fascia (PF) undergo any morphological change in relation to long‐term use of different heel heights.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of the Femoral Cartilage, Achilles Tendon, and Plantar Fascia in Young Women Wearing High‐Heeled Shoes

Mezian

Ata

Kara

et al. 2019

PM&R

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“…This increased forefoot pressure continues to be a problem even when the heeled shoes are removed, with frequent users having elevated pressures when walking barefoot [29]. There is, however, limited evidence to support a negative outcome for the observed increases in forefoot pressure other than an association between high heel shoes and painful callus [30]. Therefore, it is difficult to make an unequivocal statement that increases in pressure are detrimental to normal function and responsible for established pathology.…”

Section: High Heelsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Everyday footwear: An overview of what we know and what we should know on ill-fitting footwear and associated pain and pathology

Branthwaite

Chockalingam

2019

The Foot

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Footwear has been used to protect feet for millennia with socially exclusive population adopting stylish and fashionable shoes with expensive materials. In terms of historic timeline, only more recently footwear has been worn by all classes in the western world as an integral part of their apparel. Traditionally, footwear has been constructed from natural materials, mainly leather, but has recently benefitted from the flexibility that technology has provided with a plethora materials and new design innovations. Although it has expanded the availability for a variety of consumers, the choice and fit continue to be problematic with many individuals wearing shoes that are ill-fitting. Provision of specific footwear advice for problem feet is poorly evidenced and is heavily practitioner dependant limiting its efficacy. There is limited understanding as to the changes that can occur from regularly wearing footwear that is unsuitable in shape, style and construction which is referred to as ill-fitting. Current research on the effect that everyday footwear has on foot function and pain focuses mainly on women's shoes, particularly high heels. Defining what is a good fitting shoe, that does not damage the foot or mechanics of walking, may need to be individualised, but best fit is based on loose historical parameters rather than research evidence. The aim of this overview is to highlight aspects of current research, establishing what we know about the effect's shoes have on the feet as well as exploring the mythology around footwear fit and advice that is often historical in nature.

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Does the use of high-heeled shoes lead to fore-foot pathology? A controlled cohort study comprising 197 women

Abstract: For women aged 40-66 years wearing of high-heeled shoes had not caused foot deformation, but more foot pain and callosities.

Cited by 27 publications

References 23 publications

Influences of high-heeled shoe parameters on gait cycle, center of pressure trajectory, and plantar pressure in young females during treadmill walking

Influences of high-heeled shoe parameters on gait cycle, center of pressure trajectory, and plantar pressure in young females during treadmill walking

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of the Femoral Cartilage, Achilles Tendon, and Plantar Fascia in Young Women Wearing High‐Heeled Shoes

Everyday footwear: An overview of what we know and what we should know on ill-fitting footwear and associated pain and pathology

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