High heels affect body posture, placing more pressure on foot, ankle and knee joints. This can cause stress to the cartilage and lead to the onset of osteoarthritis, the Daily Telegraph reported.
Poor footwear, together with increased levels of obesity and people living longer, could cause an "arthritis crisis", the society warned. Yet the survey of 2,000 people found that 22 per cent thought arthritis was an inevitable part of getting older and 36 per cent of people did not know much about the condition.
Professor Anthony Redmond, a podiatrist and arthritis researcher at the society, said: "Although you are more likely to develop arthritis as you get older, it can occur at any.
"Choosing the right footwear will help minimise the stress placed on the feet and joints during everyday activity and helps reduce the risk of injury and joint damage.
"For daily wear, the recommendation is to opt for a round-toed shoe with a heel height of no more than 2-3cm (one inch) and with a shock-absorbent sole to help minimise shock to the joints."
The survey also found that more than three quarters of both men and women did not wear shoes specifically designed for the sport they played when exercising, also increasing the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis.
Prof Redmond said: "Those who wear trainers that are not designed for sporting activity are placing themselves at real risk. "With forces through the joints exceeding eight times the body weight during some sports, the importance of matching the right footwear to the activity cannot be overstated."
While 65 per cent have suffered stiffness or pain in their lower body and feet, only half have sought help for their symptoms. Prof Redmond said: "If you do experience frequent pain in your feet or ankles, don't ignore it, as something can always be done.
"Some forms of arthritis start first in the feet and early treatment is vital to achieving the best long-term outcome."
