High-heels = high risk

WOMEN who wear high heels or badly fitting trainers are putting themselves at risk of arthritis, experts have warned.

The British Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists predicted an “arthritis crisis” in the future due to increasing levels of obesity, people living longer and poor footwear.

The most common form of the condition, osteoarthritis, causes pain and stiffness in the joints and affects millions of people worldwide.

It is caused by stress to the cartilage and can result from injury or from general wear and tear on the joint.

The condition is more common and severe in women, and can badly affect the feet. A recent poll found that a quarter of women wear high heels every day or “frequently”.

As a result, experts warned how high heels can alter the body’s posture and increase pressure on the foot, ankle and knee joints, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis. The poll also found 77% of men and women do not wear shoes designed specifically for the sport they are engaged in.

This can cause injury and stress on the joints, increasing the risk of the debilitating condition.

Professor Anthony Redmond, a podiatrist and arthritis researcher from the society, said there are simple things women can do to help prevent and treat arthritis.

“Choosing the right footwear will help minimise 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 2cm-3cm (one inch) and with a shock-absorbent sole to help minimise shock to the joints,” said Prof Redmond.

“Those who wear trainers that are not designed for sporting activity are placing themselves at real risk.”