High heeled shoes can significantly affect the natural structure and function of the feet. As the heel height increases, more body weight shifts forward, placing greater pressure on the toes and the ball of the foot. This increased forefoot pressure may lead to discomfort, and may contribute to the development of foot deformities, over time. Conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, and nerve irritation may occur when the toes are forced into a narrow shoe space. Continued stress on the arch and heel may also contribute to plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammation of the connective tissue along the bottom of the foot. A podiatrist can evaluate foot alignment and provide supportive care. If you enjoy wearing high heels and have developed foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle conditions, and guide you toward more desirable shoes to wear.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact David Reynolds, DPM from First Podiatry. Our doctor 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 Evansville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A fifth metatarsal fracture is a break in the long bone on the outside of the foot that connects to the little toe. This injury often occurs after a sudden twist of the foot, a misstep on uneven ground, or direct impact during sports. Patients usually notice sharp pain along the outer side of the foot along with swelling and bruising. Walking may become difficult, and the area can feel tender to the touch. Some fractures occur near the base of the bone and may develop slowly from repeated stress, especially in athletes or active individuals. A podiatrist begins with a careful examination of the foot and reviews how the injury occurred. X-rays are often used to confirm the fracture and determine its exact location. Treatment may include protective immobilization, limited weight bearing, and targeted exercises once healing begins. In certain cases, surgery may be recommended for proper alignment. If you think you may have a foot fracture, it is suggested that you make an immediate appointment with a podiatrist.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact David Reynolds, DPM from First Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Evansville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by long-term high blood sugar levels. It most often affects the feet and legs. Nerves are like electrical wires that send messages between the brain and the body. When they are damaged, these messages do not travel correctly. Many people experience numbness, tingling, burning, or sharp shooting pain in their feet. Some lose what is called protective sensation, which means they cannot feel cuts, blisters, or pressure. This can lead to sores, infections, and slow healing. Diabetic neuropathy can also weaken muscles, change foot shape, and affect balance, increasing the risk of falls. Because symptoms may develop slowly, regular foot exams are important. A podiatrist can test sensation, check circulation, identify deformities, and create a treatment plan to reduce pain and lower the risk of ulcers and infection. If you have symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with David Reynolds, DPM from First Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Evansville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel bursitis causes pain at the back of the heel. It occurs when a small fluid-filled sac, called a bursa, becomes inflamed. The bursa, which sits between the Achilles tendon and the heel bone, helps reduce friction as the foot moves. When repetitive stress, tight calf muscles, poorly fitting shoes, or a bony bump on the heel create pressure, the bursa can swell and fill with excess fluid. Symptoms of heel bursitis include tenderness, swelling, and pain that worsens when walking uphill, running, or standing on tiptoes. It can sometimes be mistaken for Achilles tendonitis because both cause pain in a similar area. A podiatrist can perform a physical exam, evaluate foot structure and movement, and use imaging to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options include custom orthotics, footwear guidance, anti-inflammatory care, or injections to reduce irritation. If you have symptoms of heel bursitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact David Reynolds, DPM of First Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Evansville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.