Ever been that girl who has tripped and fallen while teetering in high heels? Well, the verdict is out—researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham analyzed the numbers collected from the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s National Electronic Injury Surveillance System and the results may make you think twice next time you choose your footwear.
From the data, it is estimated that 123,355 high-heel-related injuries were treated in United States emergency rooms from 2002 to 2012, with the rate doubling during that 10-year span. The research also found that women in their 20s are most likely to suffer from a sprain or strain to the foot or ankle as a result of high heels. Surprisingly enough, most of the injuries recorded happened at home rather than at work or during a night out.
The study, which is published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Injuries, recommends to keep in mind how often you wear heels and how long you’re wearing them to minimize your risk of injury. Furthermore, a different study also found that wearing heels all day can weaken ankles, making you more prone to a foot fiasco. Those flats are looking cuter and cuter.
Still concerned? Check out this helpful graphic, via the University of Alabama: