High Heels & Your Health: A Gentle Reminder for Your Body

Q: I've heard that high heels can be bad for your back as well as your feet. Is that true?

A: Yes, it’s true—and it’s something I often talk about with patients who want to stay stylish and pain-free.

Let’s be honest—there’s something undeniably elegant about a beautiful pair of heels. They can make us feel confident and put-together. But like so many things in life, balance is key. When worn too often, high heels can take a toll on more than just your feet.

Most people know that high heels can lead to bunions, heel pain, and even pinched nerves in the feet. But what many don’t realize is that the effects ripple upward through your body—impacting your ankles, knees, hips, and lower back.

Here’s why: when you wear high heels, your foot is positioned in a way that shifts your entire posture. Your knees and hips stay slightly bent, your lower back arches more than it should, and the natural rhythm of your stride is altered. Over time, this misalignment can cause muscles to tighten, joints to become stiff, and strain to build in places you might not expect—especially your low back.

So, what’s a style-loving person to do?

Don’t worry—you don’t have to give up your favorite heels entirely. Just give your body some love and variety. Try not to wear high heels every day. Alternate with flats or low-heeled shoes that support your natural gait. And when you're shoe shopping, steer clear of styles that squeeze your toes or crowd them into a narrow triangle. Your feet deserve space to breathe and move.

Remember, your body is wise—and it speaks to you in the language of comfort and discomfort. Listening to those little aches and pains early on is one of the kindest things you can do for yourself.

With care and balance, you can feel good from the ground up.

— Dr. Joyce Battaglia