Stilettos spell health problems from the toes up

From Chinese foot-binding to today's wedge and stiletto heels, exaggerated styles have always been a part of fashion.

Doctors and podiatrists warn that women can walk straight into health problems with as little as six months' regular wearing of high heels.

An average woman takes 5000 steps a day (2500 on each foot) and wearing a 7.5cm heel concentrates double the body's weight on the ball of the foot. This can lead to a number of problems:

* When the weight is thrown on to the ball of the foot, calf muscles tighten and toes grip or are squashed.

* With the body's point of balance changed, the spine can be thrown out of alignment over time.

* A misaligned spine makes lower back problems likely.

* The body balances over the feet. If the balance is pushed forward, the body compensates by tilting the pelvis.

* A tight calf muscle places extra stress on the rest of the leg, putting particular strain on knees.

* The elevated position of the foot creates huge tension in the feet tendons, making ankles unstable.

* A closed-toe shoe cramps toes, leading to bunions and calluses.