Negative effects
The case against wearing high heels is based almost exclusively on health and practicality reasons, including that they:
• can cause foot and tendon pain;
• increase the likelihood of sprains and fractures;
• make calves look more rigid and sinewy;
• can create foot deformities, including hammer toes and bunions;
• can cause an unsteady gait;
• can shorten the wearer's stride.
• can render the wearer unable to run;
• can exacerbate lower back pain;
• alter forces at the knee so as to predispose the wearer to degenerative changes in the knee joint;
• can result after frequent wearing in a higher incidence of degenerative joint disease of the knees. This is because they cause a decrease in the normal rotation of the foot, which puts more rotation stress on the knee.
• can cause damage to soft floors if they are thin or metal-tipped.