Kenyan Doctor Says Heels Can Cause Arthritis And Change Body Arch, Offers Advice On Wearing Them Right

• A Kenyan doctor Jerry Wasena Angira gave insight to women who are heel lovers on the effects of long-term wearing of heels
• Some effects include arthritis and wrong body posture but they can be mitigated if they learn the art of weight balance, and correct seating positions among others
• Jerry is a chief orthopaedics surgeon and pain specialist at St Peters Orthopaedics and Surgical Speciality Centre

A chief orthopaedics surgeon and pain specialist, Jerry Wasena has advised women to wear heels right.

Are you wearing heels right?

Many women enjoy enhancing their beauty for various occasions, such as work, date nights, or special events.

Adding heels to these ensembles is often associated with a boost in confidence and a more captivating appearance.

However, it is widely recognised that while heels can certainly complement an outfit and enhance one's overall look, they also have the potential to impact the body in significant ways.

Doctor Jerry Wasena Angira speaking to TUKO.co.ke shared the effects of wearing heels e.g. arthritis while giving tips on how one can avoid body aches by practising body posture and weight distribution.

1. Do heels potentially change one's body posture?

"Prolonged wearing of heels leads to alterations in posture and movement, influencing an individual's sense of balance.

As the body seeks equilibrium, it adjusts its positioning, disrupting its natural alignment. Consequently, an unnatural stance is adopted in place of the body's innate posture."

2. Heels can potentially cause arthritis?

"The long-term wearing of heels can wear out the cartilage in the feet and cause injury to the knees and other lower-body joints due to excessive compensation while walking. To decide how frequently they should wear heels, one should keep this in mind."

3. What other conditions are associated with heels?

"Wearing heels can subject toenails to gravitational pressure, causing them to press against the confines of the shoe's toe box. In instances where the toe box is compact, this pressure may force the toes into close proximity, leading to the development of the uncomfortable hammertoe condition. On the other hand, if the toe box is wider, the skin-to-toe pressure might result in blister formation, potentially causing harm.

Nevertheless, even in such scenarios, achieving a stylish, confident appearance while wearing heels without enduring pain and discomfort is possible."

4. How can people potentially avoid body aches and arthritis?

One can distribute weight

"When donning heels, you navigate uneven surfaces resembling spheres and obstacles. This might necessitate toe-first steps while in motion, potentially straining the connective tissues in your toes. Hence, focusing on distributing your body weight evenly across both feet becomes crucial. To maintain balance and prevent mishaps, it's advisable to refrain from excessive forward or backwards leaning. Adhering to these practices can mitigate lower back discomfort and reduce the risk of accidents."

Choose the right heel height

"The size and height of the heels play a significant role. Heel heights vary and offer differing levels of stability and comfort. Opt for lower heels when anticipating prolonged standing. Properly fitting heels prevent compression of toenails, ensuring better toe protection. Ill-fitting shoes, especially those too small for walking, exert undue pressure on the feet, leading to discomfort and potential toenail damage."

Practice sitting

"Finding a comfortable seated position while wearing heels can pose challenges, mainly if the chair's alignment is not ideal. The uncertainty of seating arrangements at social gatherings further complicates matters. To avert discomfort, it's advisable to intermittently adjust your weight distribution when you anticipate extended periods of sitting in heels."

Use support accessories

"Prioritizing self-care stands as a prime method to enhance your comfort and promote proper walking while donning heels. Invest in cushioned and padded foot pads with insoles to provide added support and comfort. These insoles alleviate pressure and reduce strain on your feet. To counter potential rubbing and blisters caused by shoe friction, consider incorporating gel liners. Furthermore, employing heel grips can prevent feet from slipping out of shoes, averting potential injuries."

Take care of yourself

"Engaging in consistent exercise can aid individuals who wear heels in preserving flexibility within their feet. To alleviate any stiffness or tension that may arise from wearing heels, it's beneficial to perform foot stretches and massages. An effective method involves using a tennis ball to roll under your feet for added relief."

Choose a Sturdy Heel

"Walking in slender heels can pose difficulties and at times lead to muscle discomfort in the feet. In contrast, chunkier and sturdier heels, as opposed to slim stilettos, provide greater stability. Depending on the specific occasion, wedges and block heels can offer enhanced comfort during extended periods of wear."

Position of the heel

"Selecting shoes with heels that are positioned deeper into the sole, rather than those located on the outer edge, is of paramount importance. Heels placed at the shoe's outer edge, especially those with pointed edges, often contribute to back discomfort and can occasionally lead to added pressure on the toes due to their positioning. To avert pain and potential harm, it's advisable to assess the heel's placement carefully when making your shoe selection."

The shape of the toe

"This is an often overlooked yet crucial aspect to consider. Ensuring that your shoe choice aligns with your leg shape and accommodates your toenails is vital to prevent injuries. It's important to prioritize your comfort and safety, and if heels are causing discomfort or pain, it's best not to force yourself to wear them. Opt for shoes with rounded toes instead of pointed ones if needed, allowing you to maintain a stylish look without compromising your well-being."

St Peter's Orthopedic distances itself from fraud

In February, reports emerged online purporting to explain how 'rogue doctors' and politicians use the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) accredited hospitals to defraud the government fund.

However, Saint Peter's Orthopedic and Surgical Speciality Centre, which is located in Uthiru in Kiambu county distanced itself from the alleged scheme.

The hospital's management said patients who were referred there from the said camps were examined in the presence of their relatives.