#1 reason for high heels wear is "taller, slimmer" appearance


1 December 2003: A recent survey conducted amongst women in the Gulf region revealed that when it comes to high heels, vanity definitely comes before health.  Despite the well-known health risks of prolonged wear of high heels, many women will still opt for their 3-inch stilettos rather than sensible flat shoes.
 
1 in 4 respondents in the survey said that they wear high heels any time they step out of the house. 25% of women wear high heels for more than 7 hours a day and 28% of women spend an average of 5 hours a day standing or walking in high heels.
 
The survey was conducted by Novartis Consumer Health to gain more insight into women’s wear of high heels and its effect on body health, as part of ongoing consumer research for Voltaren Emulgel, the company’s anti-inflammatory topical treatment for muscle and joint pain. The survey addressed the level of awareness and consideration among women of the unhealthy effects of high heels.
 
The Voltaren Emulgel survey also uncovered the burden women are willing to bear in order to put on a pair of their favourite heels. An astounding 42% of women feel pain in their feet after wearing high heels for a period of time, which supports common claims by orthopedic experts on the detrimental effect of high heels on feet. In addition, 23% of respondents said that they face similar discomforts in their ankles, knees and lower back.
 
The survey also gave insight into the reasons why women love to wear high heels.  The number one motive is the ability to look slimmer and taller through the extra lift given by the heel. Other popular reasons to slip into a pair of slinky stilettos is that they are considered fashionable, and that high heels are seen to complete a formal outfit.
 
High heels arch the back, thrust the chest forward and shift body weight from being evenly spread on the soles of feet to becoming centered on the ball (or front part) of the foot. Thus, standing and walking in high heels, puts added tension on the body’s joints and muscles in order to counteract this postural imbalance. Much of that stress goes to the calf muscles, lower back and hips, which causes muscle fatigue and cramping and may extend the back’s natural curves, leading to back pain and a host of other problems.
 
Harmful as excessive wear of high heels is reported to be, many women are not aware or do not believe the health risks associated with heels. 40% of the Voltaren Emulgel survey respondents do not think that high heels have an unhealthy effect on the body. In addition, 30% of respondents, when experiencing pain from high heel wear, do nothing to alleviate it, and do not give their bodies a break by switching to low heels for a while. This leads to continuous strain on the same parts of the body, without a chance for muscles and joints to rest or heal.
 
For the purpose of the survey, high heels were defined as any heel at 2 inches/ 5cm height or more. According to the survey, the average heel length worn by women is approximately 2.3 inches, and more than half of the respondents specified their preference for narrow (or stiletto) heels. Despite being stylish, these are widely rated as the worst type of heel to wear because they provide little stability and put considerable pressure on muscles and joints.
 
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About Novartis Consumer Health
Novartis Consumer Health (NCH) is a division of Novartis and a global leader in the field self-medication healthcare. The Dubai office of NCH covers the Arabian Gulf Markets of Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman, Yemen, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and Palestine. Popular brands include Voltaren Emulgel, Otrivin, Orofar and Lamisil.

© Press Release 2003