Believe it or not, problems related to high heels cost more than 3 billion dollars a year in medical expenses and lost work time. Human feet and legs simply were not designed to walk in high heels. They put too much stress on the ball of the foot, and the pointed toes found in many styles of high-heeled shoes can lead to pinched nerves, ingrown toenails and hammer toes. But today's women seem to have learned their lesson. Only 21 percent of American working women report wearing high heels to work, compared to 34 percent in 1990.
Younger women are more likely to wear flat shoes.
Also, women who earn higher salaries are more likely to wear low heels. Doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas say if you have frequent foot, leg or back pain, you should consider your shoes. Look for a heel less than two inches high and a rounded toe that doesn't cramp your toes. If the pain continues with more comfortable shoes, see a doctor. Unless you have serious problems, you don't have to give up heels altogether, just save them for special occasions.