Chinese foot binding was the painful technique used in China to restrict the growth of the growing foot, so that the foot remained small. This was a status symbol so they could marry into money. It results in life long disability and pain. It began dying out in the early 20th century.

 

Resources:

http://www.podiatry-arena.com/podiatry-forum/tags/index.php?tag=/chinese-foot-binding/

http://www.podiatry-arena.com/podiatry-forum/showthread.php?t=3710

http://www.podiatry-arena.com/podiatry-forum/showthread.php?t=34869