There are some habits that are notoriously bad for your health like smoking, poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, and a non-existent exercise regimen. But could your fashion choices put you at risk for a chronic illness? Maybe.

Degenerative arthritis is usually a byproduct of aging, but there are factors (like some fashion choices) that can speed up this process.Here are somearthritis faux-pas that you should avoid.

Sky-High Heels

Studies have recognized that high-heeled shoes can negatively affect the rate and progression of degenerative arthritis. However, even a small amount of heel can have negative consequences. A 2005 study evaluated 29 females, and the amount of abnormal pressures on their knees while they walked with various heel heights.

The researchers found that even the 1.5 inch heel produced abnormal forces across the knee joint, which is postulated to advance arthritis.They concluded that women should be counseled about not wearing heels altogether.

Heavy Handbags

No matter how small a handbag is, most people tend to overfill and weigh them down. This unequal distribution of weight across one shoulder can compress nerves in the area, and may also lead to muscle/tendon inflammation due to abnormal posture. Pain and discomfort are ultimate end results.

Fashion Doesn’t Have to Hurt

Currently, there are no good treatments for degenerative arthritis. Therefore, taking your health into your own hands and practicing a little preventative medicine can go a long way and help improve your quality of life. Here are a few easy ways to reduce yourdegenerative arthritis risk.

Flats Are Your Friend. Flats with orthotic inserts are easy on your feet and provide proper support.

Moderation Is Key. Instead ofautomatically running out of the house with heels, wear pumps to specific heel-worthy outings.

Dump Your Stuff. Don’t let your handbag hurt your health.Every week, dump the contents of your hand bag out and start organizing. This weekly habit can work wonders for your mind and for your postural health.

When you have pain in your joints, consult with a arthritis and rheumatology specialist who can help you and don’t wait like everything else, early detection is the key.

Stilettos
Dr. Mahsa Tehrani

Dr. Mahsa Tehrani, M.D.  is co-founder of Arthritis and Rheumatology Clinical Center of Northern Virginia located in Fairfax. Dr. Tehrani is double board certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.  She can be reached at 703-734-2222.

Arthritis and Rheumatology Clinic of Northern Virginia proudly serves  Vienna, Tyson’s Corner, Fairfax, Great Falls, Mclean, Falls Church, Dunn Loring, Sterling, Herndon, Chantilly, Reston, Ashburn, Leesburg, Burke, Annandale, Arlington, Oakton, Washington D.C., Bethesda, Potomac, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Rockville and more.

Arthritis and Rheumatology Clinical Center located in Vienna, Virginia provides consultations and treatments for Rheumatoid arthritis, Psoriatic arthritis, Wellness, Ankylosing spondylitis, Infusion center, Weight loss, Keto, Keto diet, Ideal protein diet, Diet, Weight loss, Medical weight loss, Obesity Treatment ,Arthritis,  Osteoarthritis, PRP – Platelet rich plasma, Cold laser therapy, Musculoskeletal UltrasoundVitamin, IV vitamin therapy, Antiaging, Glutathione, Cimzia, Orencia, Remicade, Lupus, Simponi aria, Gout, Knee pain, Shoulder pain, Rotator cuff tendinitis, Fatigue, Fibromyalgia and more.  Contact our Rheumatologists today for a consultation.  We are located at 8130 Boone Blvd, Suite 340, Vienna VA 22182.

Rheumatology & Arthritis Treatment

Talk to a Rheumatologist to learn about your treatment options. An appointment with your Rheumatologist can help control your RA.

For numerous years, the rheumatologists at Arthritis and Rheumatology Clinical Center of Northern Virginia has been voted Top Doctors in Rheumatology as published in the Northern Virginia Magazine.