A: Wearing any high-heeled shoes, both those with narrow heels or even with wider heels can potentially set a woman up for future arthritis in her knees and low back.

Wide high heels may appear to be easier on the feet and body more than narrow stiletto type heels, but they cause the same amount of abnormal torque (twisting) in the knees as well as increase lordorsis (forward curve) in the low back. The focus women put on their achy feet from their high heels tends to redirect their attention from the pains in their knees and back. It is the long-term routine cumulative wear and tear that causes damage to the knees and low back.

It is true, the higher the heel the more potential damage. Minimizing your heels to 2 inches or less will decrease chances of irritation. Any heel does cause torque and damage.

If you must be fashionable and chic then compensate for your style with regular stretching of the calves, hamstring, quadriceps and back muscles. Take your high heel shoes off whenever possible throughout the day, even while seated, to allow anatomical structures to relax. Should knee or low back pain persist consider chiropractic as a primary source to correct misaligned joints.

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