The Perils of High Heels

April 8, 2010 - PRLog -- Zen Experience in Edina helps high heel users:
Despite defining the fashion industry for decades, high heels can be problematic for people who wear them. Learn why high heels are the cause of many chronic pain ailments.

Considering the popularity of designer footwear, it is common for clients to come in for a massage wearing high heels. Not surprisingly, these massage recipients (usually women) are likely to suffer from chronic pain. As healthcare professionals who may be called on to reverse the impact of a high heel habit, massage therapists are in an ideal position to help affected clients.

High-heeled shoes are stylish; they give wearers additional height and help elongate the leg. Despite the stress it places on the bones, muscles and tendons of the legs and spine, our culture's definition of a sexy woman typically involves high heels. However, most women don't realize the steep price they will pay for everyday use of high heels. The price will be chronic pain.

Human bodies function as a whole. Accordingly, tension in one region produces a series of related, compensatory tensions that extend throughout the body. Chronic high-heeled wearers are highly prone to problems in the following areas:

· Achilles tendon - When the front of the foot becomes lower than the heel, the Achilles tendon shortens and tightens up. The higher the heel, the shorter the Achilles tendon becomes. Over time, Achilles tendonitis will develop. While Achilles tendonitis is notoriously challenging to treat, massage therapy can be helpful.

· Calf - Whether it is the gastrocnemius or the soleus that is responsible for the pain, wearing high heels is known for causing calf cramps. This is because these muscles contract to adjust for the angle created from an elevated heel. For helping clients overcome these sharp calf pains, Massage is a great solution as it helps loosen those tight muscles and help to move lactic acid.

· Knee - The posture required for walking in high heels puts excessive force on the medial side of the knee, a stress that can easily predispose someone to osteoarthritis of the knee. One study found that knee joint pressure increased by up to 26 percent when high-heeled shoes are worn.

· Bunions - High heels cause the foot to overarch and places more pressure on the medial side of the foot. This changes the weight distribution of the body and causes a bony growth on the joint at the base of the big toe - forcing the big toe to angle in towards the other toes. Massage therapy can break up adhesions caused by a bunion and may help to realign the foot; however, extreme cases may require surgery.

· Low back - High-heeled shoes throw the entire weight of the wearer forward, demanding additional effort to sustain upright balance. Thus, wearers of high-heeled shoes must use extra muscular effort to keep from falling forward. A great deal of this effort is concentrated in the lower back, producing an exaggerated arch, which can easily lead to back pain.

· And more - While the preceding areas are usually the hardest hit by wearing high heels, they are not exclusive. Habitual high heel wearers are also prone to problems with shallow breathing, a tight neck and shoulders, ankle instability, Morton's neuroma and hammertoes.

Initially, clients who covet high-heeled shoes may not want to hear about the cause of their chronic pain. However, a desire to feel good will eventually encourage most pain sufferers to reevaluate their choice in footwear. Providing a diagram, or simply relaying how an elevated heel impacts the body can get through to these individuals. When that happens, our clients will thank us for suggesting they only wear high heels on special occasions, because this lifestyle change can singlehandedly end a cycle of chronic pain.

For a quick relief try our reflexology  ($1.50/min) or foot and leg massage $1.25/min) . If you have more time to spare our Thai massage will also help you through gentle stretches on those required areas together with a massage. No oils are used for this massage and you will be fully clothed. One hour starts at $80.

For more information call Zen Experience (formely named Ocean Waves Massage & O2 Lounge) at 952.922.3600 or book online on our website www.massageo2lounge.com

1675 Southdale center/Edina/MN 55435

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We offer convenient affordable massage and Aesthetic services in Edina, Minnesota.
Best Massage award 3 years in a row.