Swapping heels for flats can damage calves

London, July 17 : After high heels make news worldwide for being a major factor in being responsible for back aches and muscle cramps, women are sticking to style statements made with pumps and trainers. But bad news doesn’t end there. Research says that women who jump from stilettos to flat heels, are highly prone to calf muscle damage.

High –heel lovers find it uncomfortable to wear flat shoes, as their muscles are already damaged, according to a report in dailymail.co.uk. This is due to the fact that regular use of high heels, shortens and weakens calf muscles. Upon a sudden switch to flats, the muscles are forced to stretch, causing pain and discomfort.

13% shrinkage can be caused to calf muscles in women use high heels for more than 5 days of a week. This damage may become permanent, unless proper care is exercised. High heel users should make stretching exercise a part of their daily routine – especially at the end of the day. This study was conducted by the researchers at the Manchester Metropolitan University.

Using high heels is like walking on tip toes, and reduces the distance between the ankle and the back of the knee. To make up for this, the calf muscles contract and usually stretch out once the feet are back on ground. But if they are not taken off in regular intervals and the muscles do not get a chance to relax into their normal position, they are at the risk of permanent shrinkage. Sudden switch to flats can cause these muscles to stretch and as a result the muscles strain too much and may even lead to muscle-tear.