Sadly it is true that they can alter our muscles and tendons. This is why my mother flatly refused to allow me to wear, even borrowed, heels until I was sixteen. She also made sure I was aware of the damage they can cause, and so cautioned me to never wear them for extended periods and always to make sure to wear flat shoes or sneakers for several days in between. Personally I prefer to be barefoot whenever possible.

Of course for some women this is hardly an option, it is recommended that they wear sneakers or flats to and from work, esp if they have a dress code that requires heels of any height.