August 2020

High heels are a style staple for many people, but unfortunately, these beautiful shoes can wreak havoc on the feet. Still, giving up your favorite pair of heels can be a big ask. If you would like to continue wearing high heels, you can take several measures to reduce your risk of pain and injuries. Limit the time that you spend wearing your high heels by wearing them on days when you will not be doing much walking or standing, or alternate wearing high heels with wearing flats. Be sure that you are wearing the correct size and that your shoes fit comfortably. Look for well-constructed, supportive shoes when you buy your next pair. You may want to opt for a lower heel of one to two inches as well. For more information on what you can do to protect your feet, speak with a podiatrist today.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Pete O’Donald, DPM from Texas. 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 Nederland, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A recent review of studies on ankle injuries found that ankle sprains are one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries, affecting approximately 2 million people in the United States each year. Ankle sprains are especially common amongst athletes. However, about half of all acute ankle sprains treated in emergency departments across the country did not occur during a sporting activity. This review also found that many people with acute ankle sprains reported that they had a history of ankle sprains in the past, suggesting that spraining your ankle once makes you more likely to sprain it again in the future. Because of this, injury prevention is very important. Strengthening the muscles and improving biomechanics of the lower limbs may help prevent ankle sprains. If you have sprained your ankle, it is recommended that you see a podiatrist for treatment.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Pete O’Donald, DPM from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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

Dry, flaky heels can be uncomfortable and unsightly. Common causes of this condition are walking barefoot, taking hot showers, being on your feet for prolonged periods of time, wearing ill-fitting shoes, and not drinking enough water. Exfoliating and moisturizing your feet can be done at home and may provide some relief. However, in more severe cases, a visit to the podiatrist may be warranted. If you have painful dry heels or notice deep cracks, bleeding, or signs of infection, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for treatment.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Pete O’Donald, DPM from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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

An ankle sprain can cause severe pain and discomfort. It may affect the structures surrounding the ankle joint, and many patients have said they experience extreme swelling. Anterior ankle pain can involve damage that has occurred to the cartilage bone. This type of pain can happen as a result of participating in running and jumping activities. There may be a limited range of motion in the ankle and it may be difficult to walk. Ballet dancers may be susceptible to posterior ankle pain. This can occur from putting pressure on the ankle as various dance positions are perfected. If you have pain in any part of your ankle, it is strongly suggested that you speak to a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can properly diagnose and treat any type of ankle pain.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Pete O’Donald, DPM from Texas. Our doctor 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 tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• 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 Nederland, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.