In Sex in the City, Carrie Bradshaw paraded around the streets of Manhattan in her sexy Manolo Blahniks looking every bit the fashionista diva. But what you didn’t know was that she likely had ugly crow’s feet and serious back pain to go with those killer heels. While Carrie Bradshaw is just a sitcom character, she represents a growing number of trendy women who are unwittingly paying the high price of fashion with their health.

High-Heeled Hell

Wearing pumps can make any gal look sexy, but podiatrists say that wearing high heels long-term can cause not only back pain, but also foot problems. Experts say tall heels can cause back pain because when you walk in them, your body’s center of gravity is thrust forward, causing your forefoot to put serious stress on the joints and toes. Podiatrists say that damage can be inflicted by high heels (including wide heels) by wearing them over a period of one day or four decades. The damage can vary from person to person. The word is… there’s no way to wear heels safely without risking physical damage. Good thing flats are in style.

When Fashion Hurts: Fashionable Health Hazards