Are Stilettos Really That Bad

There has been much debate in recent years over the negative impacts that high heels can have on your body. Doctors shake their heads in dismay when women come to them with back problems, osteopaths tut, and the local newspaper's health section goes into a frenzy about the evils of stilettos. But are they really that bad? All right, after you wear them, your feet can be a little painful and your calves might twinge a bit for a couple of days, but once worn on a regular basis, your body does get accustomed to high heels  - and your calves and feet will be tougher for it.

It is high time someone put these rumours to rest. Some people have done so already: earlier this year, an article was published by the BBC which argued that  high heels do have benefits on the body. Here we shall challenge three of the most common myths regarding stilettos, and proceed to look at the ways in which your body can benefit from them.

Myth #1: Heels lead to back problems. Top Osteopaths say this isn't necessarily true. Not everyone will automatically suffer from back injuries as a result of wearing stilettos - only those who are predisposed to back grievances are more likely to have them. Of course, walking on 8-inch heels all week can lead to postural problems (as a result of too much pressure on the ankles), this should not be a problem if you take care of yourself. Instead of wearing stilettos all day, for instance, wear them only at places such as the office, while wearing trainers at home, and while you travel to and from the office.

Myth #2 : Stilettos cause the lower back and neck to become stiff. Not exactly. Stiffness, osteopaths claim, has less to do with the fact that you're wearing heels, and more to do with how you wear them. If you are already experiencing postural problems even without wearing shoes (such as tilting your back), then of course stilettos will problem make that problem worse as they add pressure to the lower back. If you make sure you are standing straight and assume the right posture before you slip on the heels, however, you avoid any future problems. If fact, high heels often have the tendency to correct a woman's posture, as they help them balance their weight. Stiffness is therefore no a direct result of wearing stilettos.

Myth #3: Heels are not good for your muscles. Again, a false assumption. While some might experience soreness after wearing stilettos too often, this can be avoided as prescribed in Myth #1. A recent study has revealed that, in fact, women who wear high heels have stronger leg and pelvic muscles. As long as there is variation in the shoes you wear every day, you don't have to worry about overexerting your muscles.

Another interesting discovery about the advantages of the stiletto was uncovered by Italian Urologist Dr. Cerruto, as mentioned in the BBC article. Because the foot is being forced into a certain angle by the shape of the heel, Cerruto explains, the pelvic muscles get a work out. As a woman pelvic floor functions are key to sexual performance, the idea that this performance might be improved simply by wearing heels is certainly not unwelcome.

Despite the many myths that float around regarding stilettos, there is always a solution for your individual needs. As long as you pay attention to the cues your body gives off, and you wear high heels in moderation, there should be no reason for you to sacrifice those sexy stilettos.

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The content of this page is informed by feedback from osteopaths in the London area and also a practitioner in Birmingham. Further input was received from practices in Sheffield and clinics in Cardiff. Finally a contribution was made by osteopathic practitioners in Oxford