PLoS ONE (Jan 2020)

The shape of the transverse arch in high heels while standing.

  • Hala Zeidan,
  • Mirei Kawagoe,
  • Yuu Kajiwara,
  • Keiko Harada,
  • Yurika Nishida,
  • Keisuke Yamada,
  • Rika Kawabe,
  • Junpei Yokota,
  • Chiaki Yamashiro,
  • Yu Odake,
  • Masakatsu Takeda,
  • Naoki Doi,
  • Kaho Negoro,
  • Natsuki Matsumura,
  • Tappei Morino,
  • Clemence Kiho Bourgeois Yoshioka,
  • Chang Yu Chen,
  • Tomoki Aoyama

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0233958
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15, no. 6
p. e0233958

Abstract

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IntroductionHigh heeled shoes have long been worn in society and they are known to cause biomechanical imbalances to not only the foot, but the whole musculoskeletal system. This study aims to show the detailed changes that happen to the shape of the transverse arch of the foot in high heels, using two different inclination degrees.Methods68 women participated in this study. Two custom-made high heels were made with inclinations of 15 degrees and 30 degrees (cm). A weight-bearing ultrasound was used to assess the coronal view of the transverse arch in standing. ANOVA and Tuckey tests were used to compare the results between 0 degrees, 15 degrees and 30 degrees inclinations.ResultsThe transverse arch height was slightly increased as the heel height increased (0DI-15DI: p = 0.5852 / 15DI-30DI: p = 0.395 / 0DI-30DI: p = 0.0593). The transverse arch length (0DI-15DI: p = 0.0486 / 15DI-30DI: p = 0.0004 / 0DI-30DI: p = 0.1105) and the area under the metatarsal heads (0DI-15DI: p = 0.0422 / 15DI-30DI: p = 0.0180 / 0DI-30DI: p = 0.9463) significantly decreased as the heel height increased.DiscussionThe main changes were viewed in the 30 degrees inclinations compared to 0 degrees inclination. When the toes are dorsiflexed in high heels, it stimulates the Windlass mechanism which in turn stiffens the plantar fascia and adducts the metatarsal heads, while the soft tissues shrink in response to loads.ConclusionHigh heels affected the shape of the transverse arch even in short term standing, and these effects increased as the height of the heel increased.