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.