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http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/health/view/149093/1/.html
Contrary to popular belief that high heels are a health killer, some people may actually need to wear them for health reasons.
So says Dr Norbert Poessel, a certified physiotherapist and naturopath who has eight years of experience in treating feet problems and posture-related ailments.
According to him, women with high-arched feet actually need to wear heels that are at least three to four centimetres high, in order to have good posture.
"Unlike those with flat feet, people with high-arched feet experience more tension under the foot between the front of the foot and the heel," said Dr Poessel.
"When people with high, arched feet wear flat shoes, they tend to experience discomfort or get problems like lower backache," he said. "But when they wear higher heels, they will actually feel comfortable in them and have no lower back pain."
However, he took pains to point out that he wasn't talking about the kitten heels and skyscraper stilettos found in shoe stores.
In fact, Dr Poessel cautions against those types of footwear as they cause calf muscles to cramp easily. The high-heeled shoes he prescribes are broader, with a wide wedge for greater stability.
While this may come as good news for those with high-arched feet, don't take out the pom-poms just yet.
Ms Chelsea Law, a podiatrist from Alexandra Hospital's Rehabilitation Department, says that, while wearing high heels can indeed relieve some stress on a tight Achilles tendon (a complication caused by a high arch), they should never exceed one inch (about two centimetres).
According to Ms Law, high-heeled shoes lack good cushioning at the heel pad, which those with high arched feet need. It may even aggravate the problem of ankle instability, which such individuals commonly face. In turn, this could make them prone to ankle sprains.
One thing that Ms Law and Dr Poessel agree on is that custom-made insoles can help address any misalignment of the bone or soft tissue structures in the lower leg.
"Insoles enable the wearer to walk with a more optimal gait and thus, reduces the chances of developing injuries or pain in the future," said Ms Law.
She also suggested wearing shoes with superior cushioning, especially at the heel pad and the ball of foot area. - TODAY /yh