High-Heels Increase a Woman's Risk for Osteoarthritis

Do you think that those high-heeled, high fashion shoes look good? Think again, before deciding to add them to your shoe collection. That high-heeled look is contributing to joint problems of women everywhere, according to researchers at the University of Virginia, School of Medicine. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease and the most common type of arthritis. 

Specific types of shoes may explain why it is more common in women than in men.

Research has shown that wearing heels more than 2 inches in height increases stress and promotes degeneration on joints commonly affected by OA. The studies examined stilettos, wide heels and men’s heels. It was concluded that although wide heels were more comfortable, they still put undue stress on the knees and contribute to OA just as much as those stilettos in style today. The shoes worn by most men do not put the same pressure on the knee joint as that noted with women’s heels.

More than 20 million U.S. adults have been diagnosed with OA and the incidence is increasing. OA affects joint cartilage, the portion that cushions the end of the bones. When the cartilage wears away, exposed bone rubs on other bone, which causes swelling, pain and loss of motion in the joint. The hands, knees, hips, ankles and feet are the body parts most affected. However, it is not only the shoes that contribute to the overall higher rate of OA seen in women.

Women tend to experience OA around or after menopause, which suggests that hormones may play a role. Additionally, doctors think the special biological differences in body shape among men and women seem to make women more susceptible to this disorder.

Although changing shoe styles may help to avoid more severe cases of OA, it probably will not prevent it altogether. However, wearing shoes with heels that are shorter than ½ inch may help, according to D. Casey Kerrigan, professor and chair of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Virginia.   And, it just makes sense to limit the time high-heeled shoes are worn.  

When thinking about all of the things you do for good health, consider this before opting for fashion only.

Source: Women’s Health Care: A Practical Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 2004

8/25/2005