Why high heels can be good for your health
WOMEN who are prepared to risk back problems, blisters, aching joints and throbbing feet in the name of fashion can breathe a sigh of relief.
Research proves that a passion for four or even five-inch stiletto heels can be good for their health.
The spiked heel, whether on a Jimmy Choo or Manolo Blahnik, has always been the subject of controversy, with wearers being warned of stress fractures and bunions.
But women have stood firm, weighing the advantages of shapelier legs and bottoms against the drawbacks of pain.
Devotees of the stiletto – including Victoria Beckham and Penny Lancaster – will be even happier to hear that a toned body and better sex life can be added to the benefits.
Maria Cerruto, a stiletto fan and urologist at the University of Verona in Italy, conducted the study.
She said: “As a woman who loves high-heeled shoes, I tried to find something healthy in them. I achieved my goal.
“Heels affect pelvic floor activity, reducing pain and improving your health.
“We hope to prove that wearing heels may reduce the need for pelvic exercises.”
Her research involved measuring electrical activity in the pelvic muscles of 66 women under 50.
Those who positioned their feet at the equivalent of a two- and-three-quarter inch heel showed up to 15 per cent less electrical activity in their pelvic muscles.
Muscles were more relaxed the higher the heel.
Heightened sexual pleasure has long been attributed to strong pelvic muscles.
Dr Cerruto said: “Women often find it difficult to complete their exercises. This may prove a solution.
“Like many women, I like high-heeled shoes and although they are sometimes uncomfortable I wear them to appear more slender and taller. It’s good to know they have potential health benefits.”
Shoemaker Manolo Blahnik, whose creations were a favourite in the television series Sex And The City, said: “I’ve been hounded for years about how bad high heels are for posture, but I always thought it was contradictory.
“Until my mummy was 87 she was wearing five-inch heels and she looked wonderful. She is my living example that heels are good for you. When you put on a high heel it makes life more exciting.”
But celebrity personal trainer Matt Roberts warned: “The knees are put under strain and this can lead to health risks.”
