Yes, regularly wearing high heels can increase the risk of blood clots, like Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), because they restrict the natural calf muscle pump, leading to blood pooling in the leg veins, hindering circulation, and potentially causing clots, especially with prolonged wear or existing vein issues. While high heels don't directly cause clots on their own, they create conditions (stagnant blood, increased pressure) that raise your risk, particularly if combined with long periods of sitting or standing.
That's right, if you are someone who wears high heels on a regular basis and stands for long periods of time, you should know that your risk of developing deep vein thrombosis is increased. Deep vein thrombosis occurs when blood clots form in deep veins in your legs.
Blood clots in the foot usually cause:
High heels put the foot at an angle and pull muscles and joints out of alignment, so the effects aren't limited to the feet,” Dr. Surve explained. “It's not unusual for people who spend lots of time in high heels to have low back, neck and shoulder pain because the shoes disrupt the natural form of the body.”
Certain medical conditions, including atrial fibrillation, cancer, chronic inflammation, diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, and obesity. Estrogen, either from pregnancy, birth control, or hormone-replacement therapy. Inactivity, such as bed rest or being confined during travel.
The five key warning signs of a deep vein blood clot (DVT) often include swelling, pain/tenderness, warmth, redness/discoloration, and sometimes visible veins, usually in one leg or arm, while signs of a pulmonary embolism (PE) like sudden shortness of breath or chest pain are medical emergencies. Recognizing these symptoms early is crucial, as DVT can travel to the lungs, causing a potentially fatal PE.
While many blood clots dissolve with the help of blood thinners, some dangerous clots require fast-acting clot-busting medications called thrombolytics. Because thrombolytics can cause severe bleeding, doctors usually give them only to people with large, severe clots that increase risk of pulmonary embolism.
When feet are elevated in high heels, the Achilles shorten. Wearing heels often cannot only damage the tendon, but also cause pain in the heel and arch. Pain in the knees and hips. Your knees absorb extra pressure when your body weight is pushed forward to the front of your foot.
High heels are more likely to cause osteoarthritis (25% increase in knee stress), bunion deformities, hammertoe deformities, neuromas (painful squished nerves), and painful corns. Sprained ankles, bad posture, and back pains are also higher because of them.
The best shoes for foot health offer excellent arch support, cushioning, shock absorption, and a roomy toe box, with top-rated brands including Vionic, HOKA, Brooks, New Balance, and ASICS, often recommended for specific needs like plantar fasciitis (Skechers Arch Fit, Vionic) or general support (HOKA Bondi, Brooks Ghost). Key features to look for are breathable materials, low heels, flexible-yet-supportive soles, and designs that mimic natural foot shape, with podiatrists recommending built-in support over basic inserts for conditions like flat feet or overpronation.
Walking is a low-impact exercise that can help increase blood flow in the legs, reducing the risk of blood clots. Walking for at least 30 minutes a day is recommended to maintain good circulation.
A blood clot may look like a clump of reddish jelly held in place with netting. A closer look at a blood clot may show cells that look like tiny plates. These are platelets. The netting is fibrin.
While wearing high heels, the ankles are forced to bend forward and essentially make it like the wearer is standing on their tip toes. This can lead to potential problems like restricting blood circulation, or shortening of the calf muscles as well as the Achilles tendon.
Symptoms of DVT (deep vein thrombosis)
When the valves become weakened or damaged, blood can collect in the veins. This causes the veins to become enlarged. Sitting or standing for long periods can cause blood to pool in the leg veins, increasing the pressure within the veins. The veins can stretch from the increased pressure.
Overall, the best thing to do is to not wear heels, but if you do, the American Podiatric Medical Association offers some basic guidelines for choosing better-for-you heels: Avoid heels higher than two inches. A high stiletto with a pointy, closed toe is the worst type of shoe for your feet.
High heels have been scrutinized by podiatrists in recent years due to the foot conditions they can cause or exacerbate. Some of these conditions include hammertoes, corns, calluses, Morton's neuroma, plantar fasciitis, and bunions.
How Can I Wear High Heels Without Pain?
Reading the tape measure where it hits the pencil will give you your ideal heel height. However, Emma does suggest a maximum height, not recommending more than three inches for day-to-day wear. Even if your ideal is higher, the height is likely to impact posture, so your body is thrown backwards.
Height and Posture – High heels add height, which can be a confidence booster for many women. In addition to adding a couple of inches to stature, high heels encourage better posture, as good balance is required when wearing heels. Fashion Expression – Heels are a fashion staple.
Both types of footwear can cause injury. Heels however can be a little more problematic. Wearing heels daily can cause your Achilles tendon to shrink, putting you at greater risk of an injury when doing activities while wearing flats, including exercises such as jogging.
Benefits of exercise
It does this by lowering the levels of a protein called PAI-1, which stops clots from breaking down, and increasing the levels of another protein called tPA, which helps dissolve clots. Studies show that walking and biking can improve this process.
Manual bladder washout using a Foley catheter and syringe is the most common method of removing such blood clots. However, this method fails in some patients. Other methods of clot evacuation described in the literature include the use of improved flushing devices2–4 or changes in flushing fluid elements.
Blood-thinning foods, drinks, and supplements. Some natural substances, such as ginger and Gingko biloba, may help reduce the risk of clotting, but they are unlikely to be as effective as prescription medication, and they will not dissolve a blood clot.