I too read an research article similar to that you describe. This was looking at the efects of high heeled footwear on arthritis on the knee. They too found that it decreased the likelihood of arthritis of the knees.

There were some cautions made about the study. There were few participants in the investigations and i don't think the difference between the high heeled groups and no heeled group was particularly big either. There was a lot of cross over from the results in that there were nearly as many highed heeled participants with arthtitis or prerequestistes for arthritis as non high heeled groups.

The strengthening around the knees i can believe but the biomechanical influence of high heels on the joint structures above the ankle are subjected to greater stresses- possibly leading to other joint problems

I didn't read any research articles, but having been a former high heel wearer, I have some actual 'field research' to share! High heels never bothered my knees, whether dancing or walking, but they killed my toes, arches and ankles. Especially the high heels that force your toes into a little Dorito-shaped triangle. The 'chunky-heeled' high heels aren't as bad as the stiletto type, since it's easier to balance body weight, but I never liked the chunky ones...I think they look pretty goofy. The higher the heel, the higher the pain-factor, with the weight of the body shoving the 'little piggies' tightly against the 'Dorito triangle of Pain' or the 'Horseshoe of Doom.' (Steve Martin said it best: The Cruel Shoes!) Although I think high heels look very sexy, and definitely make calves look longer and shapelier, I've decided I'd rather give up style for comfort and enjoy the evening, rather than await with dread the moment that the pain will inevitably set in and grow continuously stronger until blessed removal! I almost never wear heels any more, and my feet are much happier for it! (Luckily, I'm married to a man who does not have a thing for high heels!)

It was found that when wearing high heels the biomechanics of the knee are actually better in that the alingment was truely straight (no twisting of the shin to the thigh) this was reported on local news about a week ago or something.

A single study showed this biomechanical feature with many others contradicting this research. Have not read the article so cannot comment on the investigation. Not all research I have read points in this direction.

high Heels will alter the natural alignment to compensate for hgh heels. The joints will have altered from their natural position. This will restrict the skeletal systems ability to carry the body weight against gravity and other forces.

3 common skeletal deviations found after high heel wearing is
1. exageration of knee bend with increase lumbar and mid-back curvatures and a forward head,
2. A flat back with forward head ad increased mid back curvature
3. Hyper extended knees leading to exaggerated spinal curvature.

2 of theses have changed the normal biomechanical structure of the knee and reduced the ability to perform daily tasks such load bearing.

When training women who wear high heels I've performed postural assessments and have noticed that they all have an anterior tilted pelvis and 'locked' (hyperextended) knees and tight gasrocnemius and soleus. With the biomechanics of the whole leg altered because of high heels I would have thought that high heels would have had the opposite effect and placed more stress on the knee not to mention the whole ankle complex.

I wont be turning to heels just yet....!

However, knees may be strenghtened, but achilles tendon certainly takes some stress from excessive heel wearing. One of my clients got tendonitis, partly due to heel wearing during the daytime.

The subtalar joint inthe ankle has its natural alignment altered when ever a shoe is worn. Thats how we can design othoseses.

The natural alignment of the subtalar (joint most looked at while examining feet and ankles) is 42 degrees on the sagittal plane from the floor and 74 degrees medially on the transverse plane from the centre.

High heels will have a drastic effect on this complex which will lead to a chain of joint alterations. The 3 conditions as mentioned in previous post are likely and each person tested will have slight variations of theses but generally will suffer from one of the 3.

Go on Alex!! Give us those degree figures again mate....!!! :D

Cheeky!!