From the examiner.com
Let’s face it ladies, every single one of us is likely guilty of owning AT LEAST one pair of heels that give us the firm shapely calves, juicy butt and lofty height we crave while screaming “come and get me boys”. And each and every one of us rues the day a man decided to put a woman in heels as we hobble torn, blistered, swollen and tender for the next day (or three). Common sense should kick in at some point here and cause us to forego the whole lot. We never do, likely never will and really, what harm could there be?
A lot.
The most common issues include blisters, corns, calluses, and bunions and nearly every woman who wears heels for any length of time has at least one.
For those who wear them more regularly problems progress to include ankle sprains, stretched ligaments, chronic pain in the ball of the foot (metatarsalgia), achilles tendonitis and lower back pain due to incorrect posture.
Progress further to women who are never caught dead in flats and ailments include neuromas (benign nerve tumors), loss of arch integrity and “pump bump”. Women who wear heels even on a semi regular basis also run a greatly increased risk of developing osteoarthritis of the knee, contributing a huge number of the 300,000 patients submitted for knee replacement every year. Some of these conditions take as little as one wear to occur. The more sever may take months, years or decades to appear.
How high is too high?
Most experts agree that heels greater than 2 inches in height as well as heels with a width of less than ¾ inch are to be avoided to the greatest extent possible, especially in situations where they will be worn for more than a couple of hours. Podiatrists also recommend the following:
- Wearing flat shoes for walking distances and changing into heels once arriving at your destination.
- Take smaller steps and try to place your heel first, in a gliding step.
- Buy short, chunky heels for all day wear.
- Avoid open backed shoes.
- Avoid pointed toe shoes to allow toes to maintain a natural shape and placement.
- Practice stretching, joint mobility exercises and soak or massage feet to ease the discomfort.
- Lastly, if suffering from pain more than twice a week, seek medical advices, as foot problems get progressively harder to treat as then become chronic.
Also of great concern is the growing number of girls and young women who are being treated for high heel related foot conditions. Girls are young as 10 years old are being treated for compression injuries, ligament and tendon conditions, back and knee pain and can suffer for years to come as a result of these injuries. Sustaining injuries to growing bones and joints can cause developmental restrictions and permanent damage. Growth plates of the knees, feet and hips are typically fused around age 16, so wearing heels, especially very high or narrow heels, can cause serious problems in the future.
Heels are not the only culprits
Flat shoes can be just as harmful as heels. Flat shoes with no support structure, such as slippers, ballet shoes and flip flops, cause different but equally harmful changes in gait and posture. Unstructured flats cause the foot to roll forward and stretch ligaments in the foot which causes incorrect toe alignment and can lead to bunions as well. Flip flops and slings create shuffling rather than walking gaits and (aside from being incredibly obnoxious to listen to) cause poor posture and weakening of core muscles. Shoes with arch support, natural foot shape, heel containment and one half to one inch of sole are recommended for flat footwear.
Options to ease the suffering
Buy shoes that fit. Most women suffer unnecessary pain as a result of wearing shoes up to a size too small. Get fitted at a reputable shoe store and be conscious of the width of your foot, arch height and the swelling that occurs naturally as the day wears on.
Shop in the afternoon or evening after a typical day of activity so that your foot is in the condition in which the most comfort is desired.
Purchase inserts. Dr. Scholl’s makes clear gel inserts and heel guards to prevent every day soreness and rubbing.
Custom orthotics can be costly, but will also greatly improve posture, correct gait and support the arch.
Do not wear shoes you can’t walk in. It doesn’t matter how cute it is, if you wobble for more than a step or two, the heel is too high and/or narrow and begs for injury. And trying to walk but looking like a toddler all over again this way takes away from the feminine grace that is the point of the exercise.
Compromise on heels around two inches in height and ensure a chunky rather than slender heel.
If you simply have to have more height, try a platform or wedge. While this will not alleviate the stress injuries, it will reduce much of the wobbling which can cause traumatic injury. Just get used to the difference in walking in rigid shoes before venturing out into the world.
Author: Angela Bowen
Angela Bowen is an Examiner from Phoenix. You can see Angela's articles on Angela's Home Page
This is a vital subject, to me. So many people are causing harm to themselves through the use of poor footwear. There is more on shoes and back pain at www.ackpainloss.com
Paul
Showing posts with label shoes and back pain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shoes and back pain. Show all posts
Saturday, 20 June 2009
Friday, 5 June 2009
Shoes and Back Pain
From the Daily Mail, less the photos, sorry
The shoes that heal: They claim to ease back pain, burn calories and tone your bottom. But do they live up to their promise? By Peta Bee
Last updated at 2:50 PM on 02nd June 2009
Comments (14) Add to My Stories
They're the latest thing in health and fitness - shoes that are 'functional'. These promise a whole range of benefits from improving your posture and soothing arthritic feet to toning your bottom muscles. But does such footwear live up to the hype? We asked Emma Supple and Lorraine Jones of the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists to review some of the newest products on the market.
VIVO BAREFOOT CANDY, £55
Vivo Barefoot Candy
Terraplana.com; 01458 449081
BENEFIT: Improved posture.
CLAIM: 'Naturally flexes and strengthens the muscles in the feet and realigns your posture.' The soles are thin enough so you can feel stones and changes in the surface underfoot - this is to mimic the benefits of walking barefoot, which promotes good posture and muscle strength in the feet and ankles. The shoes' cushioning means you land more gently on your heels.
EXPERT VERDICT: 'They're great for that barefoot-walking feeling - allowing your feet to move freely and in a natural fashion - without the risk of something splintering the sole,' says Lorraine Jones.
'It could be that they also help strengthen the foot as walking barefoot has been shown to do. But although described as shoes that can be worn anywhere, restrict them to soft surfaces such as grass, sand and carpet - avoid using on harder or stonier surfaces because you might hurt the skin and soles of the feet.'
RATING: 7/10
REEBOK EASYTONE, £65
Reebok Easytone
reebok.com; 0800 305 0500
BENEFIT: Toned bottom muscles.
CLAIM: Independent tests have proved that, wearing EasyTone, a woman can generate up to 28per cent more muscle activation in her bottom. Launched in the UK on July 1, they promise to tone more effectively than any other shoe on the market. A balance pod in the sole creates instability with each stride, making the abdominal, bottom and leg muscles work harder to stay balanced.
EXPERT VERDICT: 'These seem to have had some rigorous testing, so they might help some people get in shape, especially those who don't exercise much,' says Lorraine Jones. 'With the balance pod in the sole and the shoe designed for exercise, there is a chance you will do more of a workout in these, which will further any toning effect.
'A good lace-up trainer like this supports the foot well. It is breathable and provides arch support. The cushioning reduces the impact on the foot when you run.'
RATING: 9/10
More...Ask the doctor: What can I do to ease my stiff shoulders?
Patients plagued by crippling migraine are being cured by operations on the HEART
EARTH EXERFIT, £36
Earth Exerfit
lovethoseshoes.com; 0161 975 5380
BENEFIT: Calorie burning.
CLAIM: Will help you use up to four times more calories with every step than with normal shoes. The lightweight sandals are made with 'negative heel technology'; the back of your foot sits 3.7 degrees lower than your toes, so it is like walking on a treadmill. The slope of the shoe means your hips shift forward and you walk with better posture, which may possibly relieve back pain.
EXPERT VERDICT: 'Negative-heeled shoes are not recommended for most people,' says Lorraine Jones. 'They're suitable only if you have very well developed Achilles tendons and leg muscles - something you'd get only from going to the gym regularly.
'If you're used to wearing any sort of heel - even half an inch in a man's shoe - these are likely to cause problems. High heels shorten the Achilles tendon and these types of shoe lengthen it. Switching between the two will probably cause pain.'
RATING: 1/10
MBT HABARI SANDAL, £150
swissmasai.co.uk; 020 7684 4633; John Lewis, Sweaty Betty nationwide
BENEFIT: Better posture, arthritic pain relief.
CLAIM: Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) was inspired by the Masai tribe 'whose natural upright gait and posture, and minimal back or joint problems, reflect the advantages of walking barefoot on natural uneven surfaces'. The curved sole mimics natural instability when you walk.
Regular wear will activate neglected muscles, improve posture and gait, tone and shape the body and help with joint, muscle and tendon injuries. Until now MBT shoes have looked clumpy; this new version has a slimmed-down sole for a sleeker look.
EXPERT VERDICT: 'These are better than totally flat shoes or very high heels because they offer some cushioning and support,' says Lorraine Jones. 'But I doubt they'll strengthen or tone your body; there's nothing about the way they're made that's been proven to do this. You'd be better off getting some trainers and going for a walk.
'Yet they are wonderful if you have arthritic feet, helping you walk without putting pressure on your toes and causing pain.'
RATING: 7/10
NGR Trainer, £93
NGR Trainer
nogymrequired.com (available only online)
BENEFIT: Muscle strengthening.
RATING: 5/10
CLAIM: Walk in these and burn 30 to 50per cent more calories. NGR stands for No Gym Required: these shoes replicate the benefits of going to the gym. You can add weights to the sole to make exercise harder.
EXPERT VERDICT: Many women, especially those used to wearing ballet pumps or lightweight trainers, would find these very heavy and clumpy, says Lorraine Jones.
'Although the weights you can add would help tone the lower and upper legs, they could also change your walking style by forcing you to adopt a different gait and apply pressure on the joints, leading to injury if you wore them for too long.
'Yet they are a substantial shoe with good support; if you started wearing them for just five to ten minutes a day, you might get used to them.'
RATING: 5/10
FITFLOP FREEWAY, £49.99
Fitflop Freeway
fitflop.com; 08456 039802
BENEFIT: Toned leg muscles.
CLAIM: Creates a slightly unstable platform for the foot - the instability forces the muscles in the legs to switch on for longer to deliver a workout while you walk. The shoes have a highly cushioned heel area designed to absorb shock during activity and help those with vulnerable knee and hip joints.
EXPERT VERDICT: 'Because they have a slight heel, they're kinder to your feet than regular flat sandals,' says Emma Supple. 'They prevent straining of the Achilles tendon - many people don't realise that regular flip-flops can be damaging for this reason. Independent trials have shown they help tone, so they're worth a try.'
RATING: 7/10
TONEWALKER, £49.99
Tonewalker
lovethoseshoes.com; 0161 975 5380
BENEFIT: Improved muscle flexibility and balance.
CLAIM: Provide up to five times more of a workout for your muscles when walking or even standing compared with normal shoes. Calories are burned faster and the appearance of cellulite is reduced because of increased activity. Has a bizarre-looking V-shaped platform sole that forces your back, stomach and leg muscles to work hard just to stay balanced.
EXPERT VERDICT: 'These shoes might create a little too much imbalance to be of any benefit,' says Lorraine Jones. 'They could make the foot wobble too much, putting strain on the legs. I also doubt they are very comfortable for most people because of the bizarre shaped sole.'
RATING: 2/10
BEECH SANDALS, £29
Beech Sandals
beechsandals.co.uk;0161 975 5380
BENEFIT: Improved posture.
CLAIM: These sandals will improve balance and encourage correct body alignment. They have four toe-separators that stretch and properly align feet that have been stuffed into ill-fitting shoes. It's thought equal toe separation helps to balance the body so that posture is improved. A favourite among yoga enthusiasts.
EXPERT VERDICT: 'It's been shown that separating the toes relieves pressure on the foot, whereas many normal shoes increase pressure by constricting the toes,' says Emma Supple.
'I like them as they hold your foot in the most natural way, and they are excellent for undoing the damage caused by high heels. Worn regularly, they could help you walk more efficiently and with better style, which will improve your posture.'
RATING: 10/10
Miracle cures? Functional shoes claim to help a multitude of health woes
For more on shoes and Back Pain, go to www.backpainloss,com
Paul
The shoes that heal: They claim to ease back pain, burn calories and tone your bottom. But do they live up to their promise? By Peta Bee
Last updated at 2:50 PM on 02nd June 2009
Comments (14) Add to My Stories
They're the latest thing in health and fitness - shoes that are 'functional'. These promise a whole range of benefits from improving your posture and soothing arthritic feet to toning your bottom muscles. But does such footwear live up to the hype? We asked Emma Supple and Lorraine Jones of the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists to review some of the newest products on the market.
VIVO BAREFOOT CANDY, £55
Vivo Barefoot Candy
Terraplana.com; 01458 449081
BENEFIT: Improved posture.
CLAIM: 'Naturally flexes and strengthens the muscles in the feet and realigns your posture.' The soles are thin enough so you can feel stones and changes in the surface underfoot - this is to mimic the benefits of walking barefoot, which promotes good posture and muscle strength in the feet and ankles. The shoes' cushioning means you land more gently on your heels.
EXPERT VERDICT: 'They're great for that barefoot-walking feeling - allowing your feet to move freely and in a natural fashion - without the risk of something splintering the sole,' says Lorraine Jones.
'It could be that they also help strengthen the foot as walking barefoot has been shown to do. But although described as shoes that can be worn anywhere, restrict them to soft surfaces such as grass, sand and carpet - avoid using on harder or stonier surfaces because you might hurt the skin and soles of the feet.'
RATING: 7/10
REEBOK EASYTONE, £65
Reebok Easytone
reebok.com; 0800 305 0500
BENEFIT: Toned bottom muscles.
CLAIM: Independent tests have proved that, wearing EasyTone, a woman can generate up to 28per cent more muscle activation in her bottom. Launched in the UK on July 1, they promise to tone more effectively than any other shoe on the market. A balance pod in the sole creates instability with each stride, making the abdominal, bottom and leg muscles work harder to stay balanced.
EXPERT VERDICT: 'These seem to have had some rigorous testing, so they might help some people get in shape, especially those who don't exercise much,' says Lorraine Jones. 'With the balance pod in the sole and the shoe designed for exercise, there is a chance you will do more of a workout in these, which will further any toning effect.
'A good lace-up trainer like this supports the foot well. It is breathable and provides arch support. The cushioning reduces the impact on the foot when you run.'
RATING: 9/10
More...Ask the doctor: What can I do to ease my stiff shoulders?
Patients plagued by crippling migraine are being cured by operations on the HEART
EARTH EXERFIT, £36
Earth Exerfit
lovethoseshoes.com; 0161 975 5380
BENEFIT: Calorie burning.
CLAIM: Will help you use up to four times more calories with every step than with normal shoes. The lightweight sandals are made with 'negative heel technology'; the back of your foot sits 3.7 degrees lower than your toes, so it is like walking on a treadmill. The slope of the shoe means your hips shift forward and you walk with better posture, which may possibly relieve back pain.
EXPERT VERDICT: 'Negative-heeled shoes are not recommended for most people,' says Lorraine Jones. 'They're suitable only if you have very well developed Achilles tendons and leg muscles - something you'd get only from going to the gym regularly.
'If you're used to wearing any sort of heel - even half an inch in a man's shoe - these are likely to cause problems. High heels shorten the Achilles tendon and these types of shoe lengthen it. Switching between the two will probably cause pain.'
RATING: 1/10
MBT HABARI SANDAL, £150
swissmasai.co.uk; 020 7684 4633; John Lewis, Sweaty Betty nationwide
BENEFIT: Better posture, arthritic pain relief.
CLAIM: Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) was inspired by the Masai tribe 'whose natural upright gait and posture, and minimal back or joint problems, reflect the advantages of walking barefoot on natural uneven surfaces'. The curved sole mimics natural instability when you walk.
Regular wear will activate neglected muscles, improve posture and gait, tone and shape the body and help with joint, muscle and tendon injuries. Until now MBT shoes have looked clumpy; this new version has a slimmed-down sole for a sleeker look.
EXPERT VERDICT: 'These are better than totally flat shoes or very high heels because they offer some cushioning and support,' says Lorraine Jones. 'But I doubt they'll strengthen or tone your body; there's nothing about the way they're made that's been proven to do this. You'd be better off getting some trainers and going for a walk.
'Yet they are wonderful if you have arthritic feet, helping you walk without putting pressure on your toes and causing pain.'
RATING: 7/10
NGR Trainer, £93
NGR Trainer
nogymrequired.com (available only online)
BENEFIT: Muscle strengthening.
RATING: 5/10
CLAIM: Walk in these and burn 30 to 50per cent more calories. NGR stands for No Gym Required: these shoes replicate the benefits of going to the gym. You can add weights to the sole to make exercise harder.
EXPERT VERDICT: Many women, especially those used to wearing ballet pumps or lightweight trainers, would find these very heavy and clumpy, says Lorraine Jones.
'Although the weights you can add would help tone the lower and upper legs, they could also change your walking style by forcing you to adopt a different gait and apply pressure on the joints, leading to injury if you wore them for too long.
'Yet they are a substantial shoe with good support; if you started wearing them for just five to ten minutes a day, you might get used to them.'
RATING: 5/10
FITFLOP FREEWAY, £49.99
Fitflop Freeway
fitflop.com; 08456 039802
BENEFIT: Toned leg muscles.
CLAIM: Creates a slightly unstable platform for the foot - the instability forces the muscles in the legs to switch on for longer to deliver a workout while you walk. The shoes have a highly cushioned heel area designed to absorb shock during activity and help those with vulnerable knee and hip joints.
EXPERT VERDICT: 'Because they have a slight heel, they're kinder to your feet than regular flat sandals,' says Emma Supple. 'They prevent straining of the Achilles tendon - many people don't realise that regular flip-flops can be damaging for this reason. Independent trials have shown they help tone, so they're worth a try.'
RATING: 7/10
TONEWALKER, £49.99
Tonewalker
lovethoseshoes.com; 0161 975 5380
BENEFIT: Improved muscle flexibility and balance.
CLAIM: Provide up to five times more of a workout for your muscles when walking or even standing compared with normal shoes. Calories are burned faster and the appearance of cellulite is reduced because of increased activity. Has a bizarre-looking V-shaped platform sole that forces your back, stomach and leg muscles to work hard just to stay balanced.
EXPERT VERDICT: 'These shoes might create a little too much imbalance to be of any benefit,' says Lorraine Jones. 'They could make the foot wobble too much, putting strain on the legs. I also doubt they are very comfortable for most people because of the bizarre shaped sole.'
RATING: 2/10
BEECH SANDALS, £29
Beech Sandals
beechsandals.co.uk;0161 975 5380
BENEFIT: Improved posture.
CLAIM: These sandals will improve balance and encourage correct body alignment. They have four toe-separators that stretch and properly align feet that have been stuffed into ill-fitting shoes. It's thought equal toe separation helps to balance the body so that posture is improved. A favourite among yoga enthusiasts.
EXPERT VERDICT: 'It's been shown that separating the toes relieves pressure on the foot, whereas many normal shoes increase pressure by constricting the toes,' says Emma Supple.
'I like them as they hold your foot in the most natural way, and they are excellent for undoing the damage caused by high heels. Worn regularly, they could help you walk more efficiently and with better style, which will improve your posture.'
RATING: 10/10
Miracle cures? Functional shoes claim to help a multitude of health woes
For more on shoes and Back Pain, go to www.backpainloss,com
Paul
Wednesday, 6 August 2008
Shoes and Back Pain.
Hello I hope you are well
Have you ever wondered what are the causes of Back Pain? I know we all thinkof trapped nerves, slipped disks even carrying a load or twisting suddenly. Well heres a new one,recently I bought a new pair of shoes from a discount clothing warehouse. Unlike shoe shops where qualified staff measure and fit shoes, I just bought a cheap pair of good looking shoes.
Round about the same time my car needed a small paint job, so I took it the paint shop and left it to be sprayed. Rather than go home in a Taxi, I went for a walk around the nearby town to kill a couple of hours. It soon became clear that the shoes were too tight and uncomfortable. After a rest for a coffee I continued round the shops, my right little toe was by now quite painful, ( I later discovered the toe had been skinned and a plaster was required). I was begining to suffer some pain and discomfort and because of the pain I started to walk with a slight limp. This caused my leg, the right one, to become locked, my knees was rotated outward slightly and the muscles of my Pelvis and lower back became strained. I got my car back and drove home, put a plaster on my toe and had a hot bath because my lower back was in spasm and quite painful. The toe took a few days to recover, my back pain lasted for nearly a week. All this for a small saving on a pair of shoes, was it worth it?
Have a great day
Do you walk around in tight shoes? Have you ever kicked off a pair of shoes and felt" that's wonderful" Back Pain Loss is a simple to download product and contains hints and tips on how to control back pain, including Shoes and Back pain. To find out how you can obtain your copy go to :
http://www.backpainloss.com/
Paul
Have you ever wondered what are the causes of Back Pain? I know we all thinkof trapped nerves, slipped disks even carrying a load or twisting suddenly. Well heres a new one,recently I bought a new pair of shoes from a discount clothing warehouse. Unlike shoe shops where qualified staff measure and fit shoes, I just bought a cheap pair of good looking shoes.
Round about the same time my car needed a small paint job, so I took it the paint shop and left it to be sprayed. Rather than go home in a Taxi, I went for a walk around the nearby town to kill a couple of hours. It soon became clear that the shoes were too tight and uncomfortable. After a rest for a coffee I continued round the shops, my right little toe was by now quite painful, ( I later discovered the toe had been skinned and a plaster was required). I was begining to suffer some pain and discomfort and because of the pain I started to walk with a slight limp. This caused my leg, the right one, to become locked, my knees was rotated outward slightly and the muscles of my Pelvis and lower back became strained. I got my car back and drove home, put a plaster on my toe and had a hot bath because my lower back was in spasm and quite painful. The toe took a few days to recover, my back pain lasted for nearly a week. All this for a small saving on a pair of shoes, was it worth it?
Have a great day
Do you walk around in tight shoes? Have you ever kicked off a pair of shoes and felt" that's wonderful" Back Pain Loss is a simple to download product and contains hints and tips on how to control back pain, including Shoes and Back pain. To find out how you can obtain your copy go to :
http://www.backpainloss.com/
Paul
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