Musculoskeletal Discomfort Accompanying the Regular Use of High Heeled Shoes among Professional Women

Abstract

Background: The use of high-heeled shoes (HHS)has been reported to tone calf and thigh muscles. However, there is a high risk of developing musculoskeletal discomforts/pain (MSD), including back pain, in individuals who regularly use high heels but who do not have an already existing back pain.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of MSD accompanying the regular use of HHS among professional women.
Methods: Two hundred (200) female bankers (22 - 55 years old) participated in this descriptive cross sectional survey study. They were required to complete a 30-item structured closed ended questionnaire which was selfadministered. The questionnaire was divided into three sections and it collected information on the prevalence of MSD, usage of HHS and the risk factors of MSD
Results: The 12-months prevalence of MSD was 56%. Respondents who wore HHS strictly occasionally n(%)reported the highest number of MSD. Although the reported MSD required no treatment in the majority (175 86.4%), it was severe enough to warrant taking time off work in (25,13.6%). Back pain (112, 56.0%) was the most reported MSD among the respondents. Only (38,33.9%) of the respondents who reported 12-months prevalence of MSD attributed the cause to regular wearing of HHS.
Conclusion: Back pain was the most common MSD reported by the respondents, and was most common among occasional users. The pain may be severe enough to warrant taking time off work. Reduction in the frequency of wearing HHS and/or interchanging with flat sole shoes might be beneficial.

Key Words: Musculoskeletal disorders, High-Heeled shoes, Professional women