Biomechanical effects of high-heeled shoes on the ankle load

Women who wear high heels often have problems with leg and spine pain. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of high-heeled footwear on the load on the ankle and foot. Pressure measurements were carried out in a static standing position for barefoot and footwear with different heel heights (0.5 cm, 2.5 cm, 6.5 cm, 9 cm, 10 cm) and shapes (narrow heel and block heel). Using a simple biomechanical model of the foot, the forces in the ankle were calculated. The highest forces in the ankle occur with narrow, medium-height heels. With narrow heels (medium-height and high), the highest pressures also occur in the front part, where the center of pressure is located. From obtained results, it can be concluded that high-heeled shoes with narrow heel support could pose a high risk on foot and ankle joint.