What is Barbie Feet Challenge? Health experts issue warnings over this viral TikTok trend

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Barbie Feet Challenge is gaining momentum on TikTok after the successful release of the Barbie movie, but health experts are now raising concerns about the potential dangers associated with the viral trend. The movie itself has become a blockbuster hit, dominating the box office upon its highly anticipated debut in 2023, and its popularity has extended to various social media platforms, where Barbie-related content has taken over. One particular trend, known as the Barbie Feet challenge, has garnered attention and worry from health experts.

This challenge involves attempting to recreate a scene from the Barbie movie, where Margot Robbie's character exits a pair of heels while maintaining the iconic arched foot posture seen on Barbie dolls. According to Robbie, the scene didn't require extensive special effects. To achieve the pose, she held onto a bar for support and used double-sided tape on the floor to keep her shoes steady.

Despite the simplicity, fans were eager to try the pose for themselves, resulting in an explosion of videos on TikTok using the hashtag #BarbieFeetChallenge, amassing over 40 million views. However, health professionals are now cautioning against participating in the trend. Dr.

Jodi R. Schoenhaus, a board-certified podiatrist at Foot, Ankle & Leg Vein Center, emphasized that while attempting the pose once or twice might not be harmful, doing it repeatedly over an extended period could lead to various risks. The pose puts the ankle in an unstable position, making ligament sprains and injuries more likely, similar to the issues often seen with high heel use.