Barbie feet challenge: Health experts warn of injuries

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: The live-action Barbie movie has inspired a flurry of Barbie themed products and fashion trends.

One such trend, the “Barbie Feet Challenge,” has become a cause for concern among health experts.

The challenge involves standing on tiptoe in a way that mimics the pointed feet of Barbie dolls. The challenge was inspired by a scene in the movie where Margot Robbie, who plays Barbie, slips out of her high heels and stands on her tiptoes.

However, as Robbie explained in an interview, the scene was carefully choreographed and required extensive practice.

Health experts warn that the Barbie Feet Challenge can put a strain on the muscles and tendons in the feet, ankles, and lower legs. It can also lead to injuries such as ligament sprains, muscle strains, and stress fractures.

Prasanna V a physiotherapist said, “There is a possibility of heel deformity which can lead to severe pain and swelling.”

Similar to the issues that come with wearing heels, this can also cause lower back, knee and hip issues, if not now, in the near future added Prasanna. In some rare cases this “simple stunt” can also lead to fracture or ligament tears.

Talking about wearing high heels footwear in general, the trend which has increased after the Barbie movie, Dr Nanthini Devi MBBS, MD and an Assistant Professor, Microbiology, “High heels are a common fashion accessory for many women, but they can have a negative impact on foot health. Wearing high heels can lead to bunions, blisters, corns, and calluses. It can also cause pain in the lower back, sore calf muscles, protruding veins, circulation problems, metatarsalgia, and foot ache.”

According to Dr Devi, this trend can increase the risk of falls. The unnatural position of the foot in high heels, especially without balance can constrict blood flow and lead to hammer toe.

It can also weaken the ligaments in the foot and put too much pressure on the knee joint, which can lead to early osteoarthritis. The Barbie Feet Challenge is a dangerous trend that should be avoided.

If you are considering participating in the challenge, please think twice about the potential risks. Your health is more important than a social media trend.