How do shoes affect the hips?
The legs are the foundation for supporting the entire body weight. When the shoes are not properly supported, the feet are easily distorted, leading to changes in gait and weight distribution. Over time, this causes the hip and lower back joints to be under unbalanced pressure, leading to pain, stiffness and postural incorrections.
When your feet are not well supported, your body is forced to change your posture to maintain balance, says Dr Jayateerth W. Kulkarni, anorthopedic specialist at Fortis Hospital (India). This creates constant pressure on the hip area, which can cause pain and limit movement in the long run".
Shoes that can harm your hips
High heels: Pinning your body weight forward tilts your pelvis, causing your hip muscles to overwork. Regularly wearing high heels can easily lead to back pain and stiff hips.
Fingerprints or sweaters: No cushioning and arch support, causing your feet to deviate from the inside, affecting your knees and hips.
Old shoes, wear soles: When the soles are unevenly worn, the gait changes, leading to an imbalance in posture.
Piled shoe: Press your toes and change the distribution of force when moving, indirectly affecting the balance of your hips.
How to choose shoes to help protect your hips
Dr. Jayateerth W. Kulkarni said that to keep your hips and back healthy, choosing the right shoes is very important.
Prioritize shoes with arch support, sturdy soles and a smooth cushion.
Avoid wearing high heels for too long, choose square-soles or boat soles for more stability.
Change your shoes when they are worn, because old shoes can easily change your figure.
Use an athletes if you have deviated figure or arch problems.
In addition, interspersing with many different types of shoes and giving your feet a "rest" also helps reduce pressure on the hips and back.
Improve hip health with exercise
Regular exercise helps keep your hips flexible and healthy. Gentle exercises such as stretching, joint movement or regular walking can help reduce stiffness, improve posture and support overall hip health.
The information in the article is for reference only, not a replacement for medical diagnosis or treatment. You should talk directly to your doctor for accurate advice that is suitable for your health condition.
