Study: High Heels Do Not Lead to Osteoarthritis, But Extra Pounds May

Wearing high heels does appear to increase a woman's risk of osteoarthritis, but excessive weight gain before the age of 40 may, according to a study reported in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.

The study involved 111 women between the ages of 50 and 70, including 29 who had knee pain and were waiting for knee replacement surgery. The rest of the participants had no knee problems.

A team of British researchers asked the participants for details of their weight and height at different ages. Besides being asked about wearing high heels, the participants were asked about any previous injuries, their work history and use of contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy and tobacco.

The researchers found several factors that were significantly associated with osteoarthritis of the knee, including previous knee injury, osteoarthritis of the feet, heavy smoking and being overweight. But wearing high heels was not one of them.

Having a body mass index of 25 or above between the ages of 36 and 40 increased the risk of osteoarthritis of the knee by more than a third, according to the researchers.

"It is very unlikely that prolonged wearing of high heeled shoes represents a risk factor for symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee in women," concluded the researchers, while suggesting that the age at which people first gain excess weight, especially if they fail to shed it, might be a crucial factor in the development of the condition.

Other sources: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health 2003; 57: 823-830