Doctor says dangers of wearing high heels is more than just foot pain
It’s a step in the wrong direction.
A cosmetic surgeon posted on TikTok explaining the “dangers of high heels” — and how they could be hurting more than just your feet.
Dr. Reza Tirgari, @drreza_t on TikTok, shared with his 516,900 followers what can happen if you wear stilettos daily.
“Ladies, you look great in high heels, but at what cost?” the 54-year-old doctor and fitness instructor from San Diego, California, said in the video.
“Bunions, hammer toes, the risk of ankle injury and sprains skyrocket when you wear super high heels,” Tirgari explained.
But it’s not just your feet that could be harmed.
Tirgari said that wearing these high heels can also increase the risk of back stress since it tightens your hip flexors and puts your back in a “really unnatural position where your back has to compensate.”
He added that it also “reduces the shock absorption of the natural curvature of your spine,” which changes with high heels.
“So you absorb stress differently, which can actually increase your back pain,” Tirgari said. “And when you tighten those hip flexors, it gives you chronic tightness which can lead to chronic back pain.”
Tirgari went on to say that there’s evidence that wearing high heels can also “change your knee torque and cause knee issues as well.”
But if you and your high heels are solemates, Tirgari shared some safety and preventative tips so you don’t have to worry too much.
His first piece of advice was to shorten the amount of time you wear them.
“Don’t wear them all day at the office,” he exclaimed.
He added that you should opt to get the shortest heel possible and save the higher heels for special occasions.
“It’s really not that bad,” he said. “If you’re gonna go out for a night on the town, then you can swap them out with a higher heel.”
He continued, “But my recommendation is don’t wear heels for prolonged periods as much as you can, and you can avoid a lot of these risks.”
Another concerning shoe trend popped up over the summer after the “Barbie” movie took the internet by storm.
Margot Robbie’s now-iconic arched foot scene led to people on TikTok recreating it for the “Barbie Foot Challenge.”
“Although the Barbie Arch makes a woman’s legs appear longer and toner, it is not without risk. If someone attempts the pose once or twice, they will likely be ok and produce a great TikTok video,” Dr. Jodi R. Schoenhaus, DPM, RPhs, FACFAS and board-certified podiatrist at Foot, Ankle & Leg Vein Center, previously told The Post.
“However, if attempting the pose and stride over long periods, there are some risks involved. The ankle is unstable, which can lead to ligament sprains and injuries, commonly seen with high heel use.”
Dr. Schoenhaus added that the high-arched position of the Barbie foot can lead to muscle and spine issues since it strains the lower back — and it can also damage growth plates, a warning to younger girls who are still growing.
Another trend revolving around heels that was sparked by Barbiecore is “Barbie-foot heels,” which happen to simply be clear heels.
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