It has long been suspected that high heels wreak havoc on the body.  Theories notwithstanding (sorry for the pun) I tend to disagree and will continue wearing my 4” stilettos whenever possible.

Now a study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research may help to support my preference. 

Studies imply that a difference in activity between the vastus medialis and vastus lateralis contributes to patellofemoral pain syndrome and osteoarthritis.  Lead researcher Lindsay Edwards and colleagues presumed that high-heeled shoes during a sit-to-stand maneuver would cause that muscle imbalance.

The end result?  Ta-da!  The wearing of progressively higher-heeled shoes makes the quads work harder, but does not contribute to an imbalance of activity between the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis.

Good news for my shoes.

Get more on the story at The Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research