Rensselaer Republican, Volume 16, Number 47, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 July 1884 — The Evils Resulting from High Heels. [ARTICLE]

The Evils Resulting from High Heels.

Several months ago we pointed out some of the injuries caused by the use of high-heeled boots and shoes. It is not at all difficult to understand, on anatomical grounds, av hy this fashion should have resulted in so much injury to health as it undoubtedly has. It is extremely difficult to imagine why the very ungainly gait which is thus acquired should remain in fashion for a single week in a civilized country. Nature has intended that the foot in standing should bear the xveight of the body chiefly through the heel, and that this position should imply but little or no voluntary strain of the trunk or limbs. It is so when one stands on the naked foot. The arch of the instep has only a steadying .influence. The latter comes into play in walking, when, the heel being raised by the -muscles of the calf, it acts as a lever to raise the body and bear it forward, while the contraction of the muscles of the sole completes the same movement in the backward pressure of the tres. In natural progression, therefore, the joints and muscles are exercised in turn, and pressure falls where it can be borne. With the high heel, on the other hand, the posterior part of the instep is continually the seat of pressure; the wearer stands, and also walks, or rather stumps, upon its arch. The plantar m uscles are atrophied from pressure, the center of gravity is moved forward from the heel, the foot itself is weakened, and the muscles of the leg strained. As well stated by Dr. Busey, of Washingson, these evils are not all. Changes in the spinal curves follow, and give rise to the deep depression at the loin and prominence of the hips, with associated mincing gait, which are so commonly seen on every promenade.’’ Fortunately, many of those who adhere to the use of this fashionable foot-gear do not wear it constantly, and therefore do not experience its worst effects/ Of late it is pleasant to note a tendency to adopt newer styles, which are not only much more elegant than that which we have been criticising, but which allow of free movements without the risk of after ill-effects. -■ No hunian foot should be allowed to rest within a boot whose heel does not fall evenly below its own, and JjOes not afford in its moderate

height and width a guarantee for ease and security in walking.— London Lancet. ' .