Wearing high heels can significantly alter foot biomechanics, leading to various issues over time. The elevated position of the heel shifts body weight forward, increasing pressure on the forefoot and contributing to the development of bunions. This misalignment forces the big toe to deviate, causing painful deformities. Additionally, high heels can result in ankle inversion injuries, as the instability and lack of support increase the risk of rolling the ankle during movement. Prolonged wear can also lead to osteoarthritis, particularly in the joints of the feet, due to the excessive strain placed on them. Understanding these potential consequences is essential for people who frequently wear high heels. If you have developed a foot condition from wearing high heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment methods and guide you on choosing different shoe options.
High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from DM Foot & Ankle Associates . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Effects of High Heels on the Feet
High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal. Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.
Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?
Ankle Joints
Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
Balls of the Feet
Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain. The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.
What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?
Corns
Calluses
Hammertoe
Bunions
Morton’s Neuroma
Plantar Fasciitis
How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?
If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems. Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet. Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising. If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work. Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lemont, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Flat feet, or pes planus, occur when a child’s feet lack a noticeable arch, causing the entire foot to touch the ground. While babies and toddlers naturally have flat feet, most develop arches as they grow. However, in some cases, the arch never forms. Signs of flat feet include feet with no visible arch and, in some cases, discomfort or pain in the feet, ankles, or knees. Flat feet can result from having tight Achilles tendons, muscle imbalances, or irregular bone formation. Additionally, certain genetic disorders, like Down syndrome or osteogenesis imperfecta, can contribute to flat feet. Sometimes, the condition runs in families. If you notice signs of flat feet in your child and they seem to be experiencing pain or discomfort, it is a good idea to seek advice from a podiatrist. They can offer guidance on managing the condition and help ensure your child’s feet stay healthy and pain-free.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of DM Foot & Ankle Associates . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
Make sure their shoes fit properly
Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lemont, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Measuring your foot size correctly is essential for finding well-fitting shoes and ensuring comfort. Begin by placing a piece of paper on a flat surface against a wall. Stand with your heel on the paper against the wall and your weight evenly distributed. Trace the outline of your foot on the paper, making sure to keep the pen or pencil perpendicular to the paper. Measure the length from the heel to the tip of the longest toe, and record this measurement. To determine the width, measure the widest part of your foot. It is best to measure your feet at the end of the day when they are most swollen. Compare these measurements with a shoe size chart to find your correct size. If you have sustained a foot affliction from wearing shoes that do not fit properly, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot ailments, and educate you on how to correctly measure your feet.
Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from DM Foot & Ankle Associates . Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Getting the Right Shoe Size
There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.
When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes
As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lemont, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
A syndesmosis injury involves the ligament connecting the tibia and fibula, which are the two main bones of the lower leg just above the ankle. This ligament plays a key role in maintaining stability in the ankle joint. Damage often happens when the foot twists outward in relation to the leg, commonly known as an external rotation injury. Syndesmosis injuries typically occur at the same time as ankle sprains or fractures. Symptoms include pain above the ankle, calf pain, and difficulty bearing weight. Proper diagnosis might involve X-rays or advanced imaging techniques to assess the stability of the joint. Severe cases may require surgery to realign and stabilize the joint. A podiatrist can provide both diagnostic clarity and treatment options, from conservative care to surgical intervention. If you have ankle pain related to the ligaments in your lower leg, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from DM Foot & Ankle Associates . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.
Causes
The most common causes of ankle pain include:
Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
Ankle sprains
Broken ankles
Achilles tendonitis
Achilles tendon rupture
Stress fractures
Bursitis
Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Plantar fasciitis
Symptoms
Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.
Diagnosis
Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lemont, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
