Pain for pleasure: Wearers of high heels in agony after 66 minutes

Until the early 20th century, Chinese women were encouraged to have their feet binded — a process of repeatedly breaking the toe bones to make the foot smaller — from a young age.

Despite the excruciating pain involved, the custom was seen as a sign of beauty: the horrific injuries were considered worthwhile because they gave the girl a dainty, attractive walk.

The bizarre approach to beauty may seem completely alien to modern, 21st century Ireland. But a major study has warned that today’s women are just as likely to put up with injuries and ill-health in order to attain a beautiful image — by wearing pain-inducing high heels.

Research by the UK-based College of Podiatry, has found that the average high-heel wearing women will be in pain within 66 minutes and 48 seconds of putting the shoes on.

And while the footwear may often work wonders in the dating game, it can potentially condemn the wearer to stress fractures, trapped nerves, severe muscular problems — and even arthritis.

The findings are based on the experiences of 2,000 high-heel wearers and 60 podiatrists and chiropodists, which found the long-term damage will often start to be felt after just over an hour of walking.

Yet despite the threat of the conditions, 20% of the women surveyed would not seek medical help as the problems are not as important as looking attractive.

“There’s absolutely no doubt women who wear high heels are putting themselves at risk of permanent injury in the name of fashion,” said study author and consultant podiatrist, Dr Mike O’Neill.

“Given a choice between a stylish pair of shoes or nice feet, many will go for the stylish shoes.

“Any shoes with a heel higher than two inches are a concern.

“The higher the heel, the more they tilt your body forward and the more you have to lean back to compensate. This can put your pelvis out of alignment and cause compression of the spine.”

Among the top 10 injuries suffered by high-heel wearing women, according to the study, are arthritis (9% of respondents), blisters (55%), in-grown toenails (20%), joint problems (11%), and muscular problems (8%).