VOLUME 29 - 7 Today's Fashion - Tomorrow's Pain

Health Tips

Today's Fashion Can Be Tomorrow's Pain

Looking your best might not always be the best thing for you. Today's society is extremely fashion and style conscious. Unfortunately, clothing designers and stylists aim to please by creating unique looks that might not always be practical or even comfortable.

The look of the season shows runway models in high platform heels and tight skirts or pants. Models have perfected the runway "walk," but the popular looks and accessories are frequently impractical and could create leg, back, and spine or neck problems. "Sometimes I see a woman walking down the street with high heels and a two-ton bag, and I want to stop her and make her aware of what she is doing to her body,"

Women generally wear high heels to complement an outfit, not for comfort, but some might not realize that these shoes can cause serious discomfort in the feet and can also exacerbate back pain. High heels alter the balanced position of a person's body. When a woman wears high heels, a new dynamic equilibrium occurs. I compare the musculoskeletal system to a mobile, hanging in dynamic equilibrium, each part balancing the other. If one part becomes 'fixed,' the whole system will compensate with a movement or restriction. Essentially, wearing high heels for any length of time increases the normal forward curve of the back and causes the pelvis to tip forward. This alters the normal configuration of the pelvis and spine necessary for the body to maintain a center of gravity.

"The legs are the foundation of the musculoskeletal system, and a person standing flat-footed or bare-footed would be completely balanced. While standing, the hamstrings are taut and both parts of the pelvis are stabilized so that the support is normal. By bringing the heel up, you encourage the shortness of the hamstring muscles." Women and men alike fall into the fashion trap. However, women, more than men, tend to wear clothes that are too tight. Stylish tight tube skirts and tight pants can be attractive, but are often too restrictive. Clothes that are too tight throw a person off-balance, and simple everyday tasks such as bending, sitting and walking become difficult. "Tight clothes restrict a person from moving comfortably, resulting in poor posture and misalignment of the spine."

Another unhealthy fashion statement is the use of heavy purses, backpacks and handbags. Women and men tend to carry too many items in one bag, or briefcase, and are often not aware of the potential health risks associated with toting an excessive amount of "stuff." Carrying a bag with detectable weight-more than 10 percent of your body weight-can cause improper balance. When hiked over one shoulder, it interferes with the natural movement of the upper and lower body. "The person carrying the bag will hike one shoulder to subconsciously guard against the weight, holding the other shoulder immobile." This results in the unnatural counterbalance movement of one shoulder and little control over the movements of the arms and legs. Even worse, the spine curves toward the shoulder."

More and more people carry their credit cards, ATM cards and personal identification in the back pocket of their pants. This might be a convenient way of carrying the necessary items with you each day, but carrying your wallet in the back pocket of your pants can cause discomfort. I suggest men and women remove their wallets or other items before sitting for long periods of time. "Sitting on your wallet or card holder for the entire day will create a pocket in the muscle lying underneath the wallet, and whether your pants are tight or loose-fitting, this can result in discomfort or pain."

In today's society, it might be important to you to look fashionable, but it is more important to choose clothes, shoes and bags that are comfortable and that suit your style. By following and remembering these simple steps, it is possible to look and feel your best.

• Choose comfortable shoes. If you must wear high heels, bring a pair of flat shoes along with you to change into should you become uncomfortable. If you walk to work, wear flat shoes and change into your more fashionable shoes when you arrive to alleviate any pain or discomfort.
• If the shoe is uncomfortable while standing, chances are it will not be any more comfortable while walking. The wrong shoe can affect the body's center of gravity.
• Choose supportive shoes. Designer spikes or non-supportive loafers may look nice but do not allow for easy, symmetrical walking.
• While sitting, whether or not you are wearing heels, it is important to take frequent stretch breaks to alleviate atrophy of the hamstring muscles.
• Avoid excessive wear of tight pants or clothing. If you prefer tighter clothes, choose styles that allow you to perform daily tasks with ease.
• Select a briefcase or purse with a wide adjustable strap. Ideally, the strap should be long enough to place over the head. This evenly distributes the bulk of the weight across the body.
• When carrying a bag, or briefcase, switch sides frequently to avoid placing the burden of the weight on one side of your body.
• Take the time to empty unnecessary items from your bag.
• Place all necessary items-such as wallets and cellular phones-in the front pockets of the bag. Stretching around to reach for your wallet can result in a pulled neck or back.
• If you are driving or sitting for long periods of time, remove your wallet or card holder from the back pocket of your pants.
• Think about your daily tasks. If your clothes affect your movements, consider outfits that fit your lifestyle.

Designers and stylists tend to be more concerned about the way something looks rather than the way it feels. Listen to your body. One of the most important aspects of being in style and looking your best is to maintain healthy judgement. By following simple suggestions, being fashionable can be comfortable.

Research

Effects of shoe inserts and heel height on foot pressure, impact force, and perceived comfort during walking

Yung-Hui L ; Wei-Hsien H. Appl Ergon. 2005; 36(3):355-62

Overview: Studying the impact of high-heeled shoes on kinetic changes and perceived discomfort provides a basis to advance the design and minimize the adverse effects on the human musculoskeletal system. Previous studies demonstrated the effects of inserts on kinetics and perceived comfort in flat or running shoes.

Objective: To study the effectiveness of inserts in high heel shoes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether increasing heel height and the use of shoe inserts change foot pressure distribution, impact force, and perceived comfort during walking.

Design: Ten healthy females volunteered for the study. The heel heights were 1.0cm (flat), 5.1cm (low), and 7.6cm (high). The heel height effects were examined across five shoe-insert conditions of shoe only; heel cup, arch support, metatarsal pad, and total contact insert (TCI).

Main Outcome Measures: The results indicated that increasing heel height increases impact force, medial forefoot pressure, and perceived discomfort during walking.

Results: A heel cup insert for high-heeled shoes effectively reduced the heel pressure and impact force, an arch support insert reduced the medial forefoot pressure, and both improved footwear comfort. In particular, a TCI reduced heel pressure by 25% and medial forefoot pressure by 24%, attenuate the impact force by 33.2%, and offered higher perceived comfort when compared to the non-insert condition.

Moderate-heeled shoes and knee joint torques relevant to the development and progression of knee osteoarthritis.

Kerrigan DC ; Johansson JL ; Bryant MG ; Boxer JA ; Della Croce U ; Riley PO. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2005; 86(5):871-5

Objective: To determine if women's dress shoes with heels of just 1.5 in (3.8 cm) in height increases knee joint torques, which are thought to be relevant to the development and/or progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA) in both the medial and patellofemoral compartments. Design: Randomized controlled trial.

Setting: A 3-dimensional motion analysis gait laboratory.

Participants: Twenty-nine healthy young women (age, 26.7+/-5.0 y) and 20 healthy elderly adult women (age, 75.3+/-6.5 y).

Main Outcome Measures: Peak external varus knee torque in early and late stance and prolongation of flexor knee torque in early stance. Three-dimensional data on lower-extremity torques and motion were collected during walking while:

(1) wearing shoes with 1.5-in high heels and

(2) wearing control shoes without any additional heel.

Data were plotted and qualitatively compared; major peak values and timing were statistically compared between the 2 conditions using paired t tests.

Results: Peak knee varus torque during late stance was statistically significantly greater with the heeled shoes than with the controls, with increases of 14% in the young women and 9% in the elderly women. With the heeled shoes, the early stance phase knee flexor torque was significantly prolonged, by 19% in the young women and by 14% in elderly women. Also, the peak flexor torque was 7% higher with the heeled shoe in the elderly women.

Conclusions: Even shoes with moderately high heels (1.5 in) significantly increase knee torques thought to be relevant in the development and/or progression of knee OA. Women, particularly those who already have knee OA, should be advised against wearing these types of shoes.

Effects of shoe heel height on biologic rollover characteristics during walking

Hansen AH ; Childress DS. J Rehabil Res Dev. 2004; 41(4):547-54 (ISSN: 0748-7711)

Objective: To investigate the effects of shoe heel height on the rollover characteristics of the biologic ankle-foot system.

Design: Ten nondisabled adult female volunteers walked using three pairs of shoes with varying heel heights and at three walking speeds with each pair of shoes. Kinematic and kinetic data needed to calculate the rollover shapes of the ankle-foot systems of the participants were collected. Main Outcome Measures: Rollover shapes are the effective rocker geometries that ankle-foot systems conform to between heel contact and opposite heel contact. Parameters of the best-fit circular arcs to the rollover shapes were used in an examination of the effects of shoe heel height on the ankle-foot system.

Results: Nondisabled humans automatically adapt their ankle-foot systems to accommodate a range of shoe heel heights, resulting in rollover shapes that do not change appreciably.

Conclusions: Given physiologic constraints, this adaptation may not be possible for very high heels.

Review Our Keys To Wellness
We have added several items of iterest in the last month. Take a look.

Click above to find menus to absolute health and wellness as well as little known but effective treatment for many symptoms.

How To Improve Immunity
Click above to review some proven methods of attaining Wellness.

Our Patients Get Results
Click above to see how patients have responded. Our most appreciated compliment is the kind words of patients who have received relief. You could be one of them.

The Rear End Collision

These are becoming more frequent now and you need to know what to do if you are hit from behind or slip into someonw else. Follow these simple rules if you are involved in a car accident and are not hospitalized:

• Stay calm and reduce movements of the spine
• Ice packs on the spine and neck for 5 minutes per hour will help for the first few days
• See your chiropractic physician right away - He is the only provider trained to evlauate spinal subluxations For more information, click here!

THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL OFFERS
Free 15-Minute Massage with Treatment.

Computerized exercise instructions. Ask at the clinic.

Spinal Decompression: Enroll now if you have arm or leg pain, numbness or loss of strength.

Family Vouchers are now avilable on request. Give any family member or close freind a voucher for a compimentary consultation and spinal examination, spinal screening, blood pressure screen, or body composition screen. Click Here and ask for a family voucher to be sent to you.

We have a new exercise program sheets for all parts of the body. These protocols range from simple stretching for increased range of motion to resistive movements for strength and rehabilitation. We can print simple descriptions for you at your next visit. Arth Aid - Detox now at bulk rates. Many people are requesting several pouches at a time for consistent relief. We have a bulk rate. Call to ask how you can save.

SUBSCRIPTIONS
Pass this subscription to a friend! If you have someone who would like to receive this information each month, please send them this email for subscription: newsletter subscription - c/o bruce@piclinic.com

MONTHLY REMINDER PLAN
Sign up today for our monthly telephone reminder. Our automated telephone system will call you the day before your regular monthly appointment and remind you. Monthly chiropractic adjustments have shown to improve health and reduce aches and pains. A reduced fee is available to all who join.

OUR STAFF
Dr. Bruce Gundersen - Chiropractic Orthopedics
Dr. Josh Christensen - Chiropractic Physician
Dr. Robert Morrow - Orthopedic Medicine
Dr. Michael Henrie - Osteopathic Physician
Mandy Belnap - Massage Therapy
Erin Maddux - Assistant
Kristi Sloan - Account Specialist
Lou Gundersen - Courier

To Schedule an appointment,bruce@piclinic.com or call 801-272-8471.

We provide this information as a public service to our patients in an effort to improve health. If you do not wish to receive this information, just email bruce@piclinic.com and say you wish to be removed.

Thank you.