Beware of high heels and arthritis risk
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Beware of high heels and arthritis risk
BBC
Women who wear high heels or ill-fitting shoes could be on putting at risk of developing arthritis, experts say.
The heels may increase the risk of osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis.
The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists in the UK says that the world could face a "crisis of arthritis" due to rising levels of obesity and shoes that people use.
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In countries like United States, where there is a high incidence of obesity in the population, the most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis, affects about 27 million people.
This condition causes pain and stiffness in the joints and is more common in women, who often use high heels.
A survey conducted in the UK by the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists revealed that 25% of women wear high heels every day or frequently.
According to experts, this type of footwear can alter your posture and increase pressure on the joints of the foot, ankle and knee, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is caused by wear of the c
artilage, which acts as a buffer between the ends of bones, and this can cause injury, inflammation and loss of joint movement.
The Society survey also revealed that 77% of respondents, both men and women, do not use shoes designed specifically for their sport.
This, experts say, can also cause damage and wear on joints and increase the risk of osteoarthritis.
The correct shoe
Professor Anthony Redmond, podiatry researcher Arthritis Society, says that the disease, whose causes are not known, can occur at any age, not only as a result of aging.
According to the expert, there are simple ways to prevent its occurrence.
"Those who wear shoes that are not designed for the activity you are involved are getting a serious risk. Because in some sports the force exerted on the joints can be more than eight times the body weight"
Prof. Anthony Redmond
"Choosing the right footwear will help minimize the pressure exerted on the feet and joints during daily activities," says the expert.
"And this will help reduce the risk of injury and wear of the joint."
"For everyday use, the recommendation is to choose a round toe shoe with a heel of no more than 2 or 3 inches, with a sole cushion to help minimize the impact on joints."
Professor Redmond warns that people wearing sneakers for exercise should ensure that they are designed specifically for the sport you will practice.
This type of footwear, says expert, "will improve performance and protect you from injury."
"Those who wear shoes that are not designed for the activity you are involved are getting a serious risk. Because in some sports the force exerted on the joints can be more than eight times the body weight."
"So it is so important to wear the right shoe for each activity."
The Society survey also found that while 65% of respondents had suffered stiffness or pain in the legs and feet, had not consulted a doctor to relieve symptoms.
Experts say the incidence of arthritis is growing and 60% of cases of the disease occur in the feet.
"If you experience frequent pain in the feet or ankles, do not ignore it. There is always something that can be done," said Dr Redmond.
"Some forms of arthritis begin first in the feet, so early treatment is vital to achieve the best results for treating the disease," he adds.
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