More women pay the price of fashion. What they trade for beauty are bones and legs fractures

Aug 3, 2006 11:13 GMT  ·  By

Women that frequently wear high heels are highly exposed to bone fracture, sprained ankles and other related problems. Researchers at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, England warn that recently, due to the hot weather, more and more women wear stiletto shoes in order to look beautiful. But most of them are not aware of the fact that the high heeled, fashionable footwear can cause them health problems.

Dr Rupert Evans, senior emergency unit expert at the Welsh Hospital said that every week-end evening he sees at least six women that come to the emergency room because they have dislocated an ankle or experienced other troubling problems when "landing" from the high heels on ground. Besides sprained ankles and other problems that can be treated in a few weeks, there are always high heels wearing women that pay a more expensive price to beauty - they experience bone fractures that lead to long-term health problems.

"I suspect it's something to do with the weather we've been having. Women are dressing differently and a lot of them are coming in with high-heel shoe injuries," Dr. Evans complained. "Try to have shoes with a strap and keep the heel height down to 4cm (1.5in)," he advised women.

The emergency expert added that this is not an attempt to ban high heels, but women should wear them with moderation, not anytime, anywhere. Also, he insisted that women that are going to parties where they will have an alcoholic cocktail or other alcoholic drink should be especially cautious with the shoes they wear. High heels and alcohol are one of the most unfortunate combinations. "There can be serious consequences, but we are not trying to ban them," he said.