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High heels are not the only thing to blame for women's flat feet
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Flat feet are quite common today. They are especially common among women over 40. Most experts consider obesity, diabetes, and high heels to be its main causes.
In particular, the latter leads to a gradual stretching of the tendons of the posterior tibial muscle, located near the ankle. As a result, the arches of the foot (transverse and longitudinal) drop, and the shape of the foot itself changes. Pain in the feet occurs.
However, as the results of a recent scientific study conducted by experts from the University of East Anglia show, the cause of tendon strain lies far beyond high heels.
The main cause of flat feet in middle-aged and older women is proteolytic enzymes that are activated by this age. It is these enzymes, as scientists claim, that weaken and destroy the aforementioned tendon muscles, resulting in the arch of the foot dropping.
"Our discovery will set the direction for the development of drugs aimed at changing the activity of proteolytic enzymes, which will be an important step in the treatment of flat feet. These drugs will be an excellent alternative to surgical intervention," said Dr. Graham Riley, head of the study, commenting on the results of his research.
Note that in addition to flat feet, changes occurring with tendons also cause other painful conditions. As for the development of the noted drugs, this, according to scientists, will take at least 10 years.
So, dear ladies, let's be patient, wait for a new cure for flat feet and buy... high-heeled sandals.
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