Glass Slippers are for Fairy Tales – NOT Real Women – Your Health Detective

Women, Put Your Best Foot Forward

Women’s feet are not just a smaller version of men’s feet – they’re uniquely designed and, therefore, need different support. The American Orthopedic Food and Ankle Society (AOFAS) found that 80 percent of women have foot problems, and not all of those are baby boomers.

Yes, I know why woman wear heels, after all, I’m 5’4” and always wanted to be at least 5’7”. We feel more feminine, slimmer and better-dressed when we wear high heels. That said, the amount of woman over 55 that are suffering with symptoms that often can be directly related to the type of heel on their shoes is astounding. Researchers know most women’s foot problems are due to their footwear; these problems are not found in men!

Poorly fitting shoes affect more than just feet. Shoes with a heel of 1½ inch or higher increase knee torque with walking, which is believed to be associated with the increase of knee osteoarthritis among women of all ages who prefer higher-heeled shoes. Additionally, pain caused by an ill-fitting shoe can increase the risk of falling and hamper mobility, which may lead to injury – particularly significant in the elderly population. According to Judith Baumhauer, M.D., professor of orthopedics surgery at the University of Rochester School of Medicine, over 88 percent of woman wear shoes that are too small and too tight, and the heel is too high…click to continue reading…

Slipping out of Grace

Numerous studies examined footwear in elderly patients at the time of a fall and showed that a high percentage of those who fell were wearing slippers. The excessive flexibility of slippers and their lack of stability are associated with a higher incidence of tripping and falls. This is important for us all to remember, especially those of you with elderly parents or anyone using stairs. Avoiding a fall could be as easy as wearing proper footwear, even slippers.

Vanity at a Huge Expense

Having grown up in a family of great dancers, I began wearing 3” heels probably by the age of 13 when I began ballroom dancing. I remember believing that only “old people” have problems that prevent them from wearing heels…not so. Now days, young woman in their 20’s and 30’s are experiencing foot conditions that can affect their quality of life for the rest of their lives…it’s just not worth the damage we cause for the sake of vanity…yes, hind-sight is 20/20 but so it forewarned is forearmed.

The following are causes and symptoms of wearing those high heels, many times not manifesting until years later:

→ Fatigue and Reduced Blood Flow to the Brain – Heels over 2 inches high can increase muscular tension throughout the lower extremities by constricting blood vessels – limiting blood supply to muscles and the brain¹.

→ Arthritis and Knee Strain – Studies linked high heels to increased risk of knee pain and strain and the resulting arthritis. A study published in The Lancet, reported that Harvard researchers linked a 24% increase in knee pain/strain in woman wearing heels around 2.7 inches; young women listen carefully…keep in mind that the repeated strain may not show up for many years and is often believed to be the reason for high incidence of knee surgeries in all women.

→ Low Back Pain – High heels force the wearer to walk with the pelvis arched forward causing hyperlordosis (backward bending) of the lumbar spine¹. This unnatural curvature places excessive stress and strain on the low back – resulting in low back pain and possible long term damage.

→ Nerve Inflammation – Increased low back pressure can cause compacting effects on the spine along with the related nerve inflammation – restricting or cutting-off healthy blood flow to other organs and tissues.

→ Foot Pain and Ingrown Toe Nails – High heels are linked to multiple foot conditions including metatarsalgia (pain in the ball of the foot) and Morton’s neuroma—a thickening of tissue around a nerve between the third and forth toes. Incidences of ingrown toe nails are now in epidemic numbers, those pointed toes on high heels cause un-natural pressure to nails that forces them to grow inward.

→ Bunions – High heels are also linked to bunions – a deformation occurring usually at the base of the large toe causing swelling, redness and pain. The surgery to repair a bunion is very painful and many times involves inserting a metal rod for up to six weeks. It’s better to change our footwear than being forced to submit to surgery.

→ Ankles, Pelvis and Spine – Heels greater than 2 inches create health-depleting biomechanics – placing unnecessary stress on ankles, knees, pelvis, and the spine.

→ Plantar Fasciitis – An irritation and swelling of the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot, commonly the heel or outer ledge. It is usually worse in the morning and may improve after movement. This is one of the most common orthopedic complaints relating to the foot at any age. The plantar fascia is the flat band of tissue (ligament) connecting your heel bone to your toes and supports the arch of your foot. A tight Achilles tendon is one of the culprits, the tendon connecting calf muscles to the ankle and foot swell, causing pain when applying pressure. Wearing high heels puts added pressure on this tendon and can cause or accelerate the condition.

What’s Changing?

Shoe designers have listened to the trend of consumers and their foot disorders. Now, one of the characteristics of designer comfort shoes is a wider “toe box” with more wiggle room and more arch support. In addition, the heels don’t lift you up and throw your foot to the front of the shoes – they lift you up and rest you on your arch with more padding and cushioning than ever before. Consumer demand has forced designer shoe manufacturers to fulfill the need by designing and offering stylish shoes they wouldn’t have been caught dead carrying before. Forty million (and counting) baby boomer women are a force to be reckoned with, they are fashion conscious but also informed realists – they’re expecting their footwear to help walk them through best part of their lives, without hurting or causing other health conditions.

The Way I See It…

I love high heels, and many of you readers do as well. When you have that special event, wear them, but only for short periods of time. I actually now purchased a designer shoe carrier that looks like a typical handbag with a space for my shoes – I don’t put on my heels until just before arriving at an event or speaking engagement. And, in case my back or feet begin to cause me discomfort, I politely excuse myself to the ladies room and change shoes. I can’t tell you how many woman have done the same…it’s okay…go ahead…be comfortable and stylish, it shows how informed you are about your health!

And, for those times my feet, back or legs do cause me discomfort, I use an all natural nutraceutical herbal blend that takes care of my symptoms. This complex is called PainX and is available through health professionals. It is best taken with a bite of food to avoid any potential stomach upset, although rare. At first sign of discomfort, even from lifting or carrying that luggage during travel, I take two PainX and repeat again in three hours, that’s all that is usually required without the side-effects of non-steroidal medications that cause a litany of side effects. When taking any natural supplement for acute pain and/or inflammation, remember to not allow its effects to diminish before taking another dose – its called over-lapping therapy and works best to reduce inflammation long enough for the body to begin the repair processes. For additional relief, I use and recommend a topical clear homeopathic gel called Trauma Gel. This is great for any muscular pain, bumps, bruises or trauma such as a fall, naturally.

Your Health Detective:

Uncovering Clues to Add LIFE to Your Years…NOT Merely Years to Your Life, Naturally

Dr. Gloria Gilbère (aka Dr. G), D.A.Hom., Ph.D., D.S.C.,

EcoErgonomist, Wholistic Rejuvenist

Dr. Gilbère is renowned worldwide for her work in identifying and finding natural solutions to chemically-induced and inflammatory disorders, multiple chemical sensitivities, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, Gulf War Syndrome, and digestive disorders that defy conventional diagnosis and treatment. She consults worldwide via telephone and at her Institute in north Idaho. Visit her website at www.gloriagilbere.com for details about consulting with her.

Creator of certificated courses to become a Wholistic Rejuvenist™ (CWR) and for post-graduate education for health and spa professionals. Go to www.gloriagilbere.com and click on Wholistic Skin & Body Rejuvenation (WSBR™) for course outline. Available on-site at worldwide locations, and via distance-learning at your convenience globally.

¹ Dr. Robert Laquerre – Alta Vista Chiropractic Center, Ottawa, Canada

http://hubpages.com/hub/Women-Baby-Boomers-Wont-Give-Up-Fashion–Comfort

http://www.aaos.org/news/aaosnow/mar08/clinical2.asp

http://www.aofas.org/scripts/4disapi.dll/4DCGI/cms/review.html?Action=CMS_Document&DocID=22

Information in this newsletter is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by medical professionals, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent a disease or disorder. The FDA has not reviewed or endorsed the contents of this educational publication.

Copyright is held by Gloria E. Gilbère, to which all rights are reserved. Other than personal, non-commercial use or forwarding, no material in this newsletter may be copied, distributed, or published without the expressed written permission of its author and copyright holder.