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Skinny jeans are a staple in fashion conscious wardrobes around the world, with everyone from the Duchess of Cambridge to Russell Brand snapped wearing them. But while they might look great, doctors are now warning they could pose a serious risk to the wearer's health.
The caution comes after a 35-year-old woman spent four hours writhing around in pain before paramedics came to cut her out of the restrictive trousers.
It emerged the woman had suffered compartment syndrome, which means the jeans had done damage to her nerves and muscles. It weakened her ankles to the point that she couldn't stand and caused her legs to swell up so much that she couldn't get her jeans off.
'The present case represents a new neurological complication of wearing tight jeans'
The damage resulted in her spending four days in hospital on an intravenous drip and occurred when the woman was helping a family member move house. It's thought the constant squatting in the tight trousers is what caused the issue.
It's such a unique case that the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, reported on it.
"The present case represents a new neurological complication of wearing tight jeans," said researchers from Royal Adelaide Hospital.
But don't worry, there's no need to ditch the trend forever, it might just help to be savvy about it. First off, pick ones that fit comfortably, preferably in a soft and stretchy denim.
Avoid them at work, when you'll be bound to them and unable to get changed. Also give them a wide berth if you're likely to be doing physical activity that requires you to be flexible.
Instead, save them for special occasions and try not to wear them for longer than a few hours at a time. If you experience any numbness in your feet or legs while wearing skinnies, try and get changed as quickly as possible and see a doctor if it doesn't subside.
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