Use Of High-Heeled Footwear Is Linked With The Development Of Osteoarthritis

(Newswire.net — October 24, 2016) Orlando, FL — There are many factors that are thought to contribute to the development of osteoarthritis. However, not many people are actually aware that some of these risk factors involve the use of certain types of shoes. 

Use of high-heeled footwear is linked with the development of osteoarthritis. This arthritic condition affects millions of people worldwide, especially in the United States. 

Women, in particular, are fond of using high heels. There are many fashionable high-heeled shoes that come in different styles and designs nowadays, such as stilettos, pumps, kitten heels, and wedges. Unfortunately, it seems that the use of this type of footwear can be detrimental to joint health. 

Danielle Barkema, a master’s student from the Iowa State University Kinesiology, conducted a research study with Phil Martin, a Kinesiology professor and department chair. They tried to investigate the effects of wearing high heels in the lower extremity joints. 

In this study, which was presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Biomechanics (ASB), the researchers found that prolonged use of this type of footwear could potentially lead to joint degeneration and knee osteoarthritis. 

As the height of the heels goes higher, the risk of osteoarthritis could also increase. The researchers also suggest that the walking characteristics of women can be changed by constantly wearing high-heeled footwear. 

The effects could include having shorter stride lengths or slower speeds. Higher heeled shoes are also thought to compress the inside or medial side of the knee. 

There are many disadvantages that wearing high heels could potentially cause. It could result in lower extremity joint problems and changes in the body posture. The researchers also suggest that it could change the joint positions of the ankle, knee, hip, and trunk, which could trigger a strain on the lower back. 

Arthritis is one of the painful and debilitating conditions that significantly reduces the quality of life of sufferers. There are those who are unable to do their daily routines or work due to the condition. 

There are joint health supplements available that are believed to help individuals who want to reduce their risk of arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis. One of these supplements is glucosamine, which has the potential to repair damaged joint cartilage. 

There are even many athletes who use this type of joint supplement to improve the health of their joints. Glucosamine supplements are also believed to be safer alternatives to pain medications among individuals who suffer from arthritis. 

Some of the best glucosamine supplements today contain methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), which is also believed to fight arthritis pain and inflammation (www.amazon.com/Glucosamine-Sulfate-Supplement-2000mg-serving/dp/B0126ZF0B0/).