This is What Happen to Your Body When You Stop Wearing High Heels!
If you’re a habitual wearer of high heels, putting your high-end shoes may be the last thing on your mind, but should it be? As fashion evolves, we’re seeing more flats and sneakers on the runway and it seems that some women are actually ditching their high-heels for good. Surprisingly, there are several benefits to retiring those stilettos and investing in supportive flats.
Relieve Pain
Regularly wearing heels puts strain on your knees. Because your center of gravity is off when you’re in six-inch stilettos, the tendons are under a lot of stress. After taking off your heels, you’ll notice a reduction in pain within several days, if it was caused by your high-heel wearing days.
Be advised, however, that the tension in the tendons of the feet might lead to heel pain for a couple of days after retiring your high-end footwear. Fortunately, your tendons will stretch back to their normal length and the pain will begin to subside.
Relieve Muscle Tension
While it may seem counter-intuitive, giving up your high heels may actually increase the length of your legs. According to the Journal of Applied Physiology, shelving your high heels may increase the length of your legs. Obviously, your legs won’t grow, but the calf muscles will begin to stretch out after you settle for a pair of flats.
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Improved Posture
Some women believe that high heels allow them to stand straighter. While this may be true in terms of the upper body, it is entirely the opposite for the lower body. Heels cause your pelvis to shift which causes lower back pain. In severe cases, this can lead to disc slippage. If you’re suffering from back pain and regularly wear heels, try flats instead and see if your pain subsides.
Become Balanced
If you wear heels regularly, you might have noticed that you seem a little off-balance even when you’re not wearing them. This is due to the different muscle build-up as a result of wearing heels. There is a difference in muscle strength on the sides and front of the feet, leading to instability. Taking off those heels and stretching those feet will lead to increased stability and balance.
You’re Safer
According to a study conducted by the University of Alabama at Birmingham, injuries caused by high heels continues to rise. Why risk your health for the sake of beauty?
We all know that high heels are not particularly comfortable, yet we continue to spend hours walking with our toes pointed forward and our heels back, only to breathe a sweet sigh of relief when we remove them at the end of the day. Instead of torturing yourself, throw those heels in the closet and try out a comfortable pair of flats—even if only for a few days.
