By Angalee Jackson

In today's day and age, so much emphasis is put on outer beauty. But, with many women experiencing so much inward pain, it has researchers wondering just why women put up with all the grief that comes from wearing uncomfortable high-heeled shoes.

Of 620 women surveyed, according to www.chiroweb.com, the majority were unhappy with their high-heeled shoes because they say the shoes hurt their feet. This statistic is not unexpected, because about 90 percent of all foot surgeries are done on women. Although high heels are very fashionable, they are generally tighter than other shoes and tend to put pressure across the toes, causing women many painful foot and back problems.

"Getting your feet into high heels is like trying to fit a square peg into a triangular hole," said chiropodist Trevor Prior.

Prior said the shape of the shoes changes the shape of the body, and because of this, many painful problems can occur. Foot compression injuries, loss of arch integrity, bunions, corns, hammer toes, degenerative joint disease, and osteoarthritis are only of a few of the many consequences of wearing high-heeled shoes. In addition to foot problems, high heels can cause many knee, hip, and back problems, as well.

"I just can't stand wearing them. My feet weren't made to fit into heels. When I wear them, I am constantly in pain and can't stop thinking about when I can take them off," said Stephanie Jackson, a junior at LDS Business College.

Although many women experience pain from all kinds of high-heels, some think wider heels are safer than narrower heels. A study done by researchers at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital at Harvard found that both heel types have similar effects on the body. They also discovered that it's not wideness, but height that makes the difference. In fact, a three-inch heel was found to create seven times more stress on the forefoot than a one-inch heel.

So, why do women keep wearing high heels and what can they do to avoid these problems?

"Even though they hurt my feet, they make me look great. I love to feel tall and be in fashion. So, if I have to, I'll wear them," said Kelli Carlson, a senior at Utah State University.

Because high heels are so fashionable, many women don't want to give them up for fear of not being in style. That leaves women to simply live with the pain or to compromise their heel height for greater comfort.

Dr. Taryn Rose, a fashion-conscious orthopedic surgeon, wore clogs into surgery because she said that she needed to look professional and refused to wear unattractive shoes.

"Women need stunning shoes that are good for their feet," said Rose. "I could never find shoes that were both appropriately dressy and comfortable."

That's why Rose decided to enter the footwear industry. In 1997, she started Taryn Rose International, a company dedicated to providing shoes that women love to wear because of their look and fit.

"I did not see a shoe line that combined comfort with the refinement and elegance professional women desire," said Rose. "Our customers are not victims of fashion. They deserve great design."

So whether you decide to shop at stores like Payless or online at sites like TarynRose.com, remember, there are other alternatives for women suffering from pain because of the infamous high heel.

NW
TJ

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