Women who wear high heels or badly-fitting trainers’ shoes could be putting themselves at risk of arthritis, experts are warning.
Woman on high heels can increase pressure on the foot, ankle and knee joints.
The most common form of the condition, osteoarthritis, causes pain and stiffness in the joints and affects at least eight million people in the UK. The condition is more common in women.
Experts warned that high heels can alter the body’s posture and increase pressure on the foot, ankle and knee joints, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is caused by stress to the cartilage and can result from injury or from general wear and tear on the joint.
The poll also found that 77 percent of both men and women do not wear shoes designed specifically for the sport they are doing.
This can cause injury and stress on the joints, increasing the risk of the debilitating condition.
In a poll of 2,000 people for the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists found that a quarter of women wear high heels every day or ‘frequently.’
Professor Anthony Redmond, a podiatrist and arthritis researcher from the society, said arthritis could occur at any age, not just as we get older.
“Those who wear trainers that are not designed for sporting activity are placing themselves at real risk.”
Remond advises that, “Choosing the right footwear will help minimize the stress placed on the feet and joints during everyday activity and helps reduce the risk of injury and joint damage.
“For daily wear, the recommendation is to opt for a round-toed shoe with a heel height of no more than 2-3cm (one inch) and with a shock-absorbent sole to help minimize shock to the joints.”
The survey also found that while 65 percent have suffered stiffness or pain in their lower body and feet, only half have sought help for their symptoms.
