Why constantly walking in heels is harmful
'07.04.2022'
Source: The Conversation
We offer the results of a new study that proves that heels are harmful to women's health. Writes about it The Conversation.
For some, the answer may seem obvious. There is extensive research on the many ways in which high heels affect the well-being of their wearers, but it is very fragmented, often focused on specific health issues.
In addition, there are studies that show the benefits of wearing high heels. The scientists decided to take into account the many factors associated with health and conduct the first systematic review of studies on both the benefits and harms of wearing high-heeled shoes.
They analyzed 506 different individual studies on high heels and health. And only 20 of them could be used for any evidence.
The results are published in the journal BMC Public Health. They showed consistent evidence linking the wearing of high-heeled shoes with an increased risk of burns, musculoskeletal pain, and injury to the user.
Some of these injuries, such as ankle fractures, were serious and needed medical attention.
However, it is important to note that the overall risk of injury is moderate. In some cases, people have suffered severe injuries from wearing high heels, but these were not particularly common.
Some studies have suggested a connection between wearing high-heeled shoes and osteoarthritis, but a review has shown that this evidence is inconclusive.
However, the constant wearing of shoes with heels is more detrimental to health, and this can only manifest itself in the long term, after some time. But the most dangerous to wear are high heels in combination with narrow heels. They are most often associated with injuries such as ankle fractures.
In addition to the physical dangers of high heel shoes, there is another factor often overlooked in public health discussions. This is a psychological factor. Whether we like it or not, high heels are a symbol of contemporary female sexuality.
Scientists have found convincing evidence that high-heeled shoes have a very positive psychological effect on a woman. She perceives her beauty differently, feels more attractive to the representatives of the stronger sex, a woman is impressed by the willingness of men to help her - to lend a hand or pick up an object that has fallen on the floor, to support in a difficult situation.
So there's a kind of dilemma that women face: wearing high heels can increase their attractiveness, but it can be detrimental to their health.
freedom of choice
It is important that a woman make her own decisions about how often, what height, and in what situations she should wear shoes with heels.
To do this, you need to increase women's awareness of how heels can affect health.
And in order to make the right choice, a woman will have to take into account many factors such as fashion, a mandatory dress code at work, or propaganda.
Modern society dictates certain rules, imposing a certain style of clothes and shoes on a smart, successful and accomplished woman. A smiling woman in high heels is massively demonstrated. And many office dress codes suggest this style - a suit and high heels.
Given the evidence that wearing high heels all the time is detrimental to a woman's health, it's important that she has the right to choose shoes to wear every day at work.
There has been clear progress towards companies no longer requiring such a dress code, and indeed: changes in the policy of large firms have been presented in the media.
However, whether employers can require women to wear high heels as part of the dress code remains unclear. The jurisdiction of British Columbia in Canada has come to pass legislation specifically forbidding employers from requiring full-time employees to wear heels.
In the UK, the government rejected a similar proposal. But this does not prevent companies from requiring women to comply with the dress code and attend work in high-heeled shoes.
In fact, a statement released by the government clearly states that they oppose the mandatory wearing of high-heeled shoes at work, but believe that the existing Equality Act 2010 precludes this practice in most cases.
However, many people are not even aware of the existence of this law. And I'd like to hear clarification on how equality law specifically relates to wearing high heels or implementing specific legislation to prevent the forced wearing of high heels in offices.
Clarity on this is important for ensuring women's health.
And yes, if your employer makes you wear high heels, then he seems to hate you.
