Wearing high heels can have long-lasting effects on your feet and overall health. While they may be a fashionable choice, prolonged use can lead to various problems. Ankle injuries and stress fractures can occur even with short-term wear, especially if you are not accustomed to wearing heels. Additionally, high heels can contribute to arthritis in the knees and foot joints due to altered posture and gait. If you already have foot issues such as hammertoes, ingrown toenails, corns, or bunions, wearing high heels can exacerbate these problems. Pump bumps, or Haglund deformities, may form on the back of the heel due to friction. High heels can also lead to plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathies, and calf problems.. If you enjoy wearing high heels and you would like to learn about how to protect the health of your feet and prevent foot deformities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for professional advice.

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.

Are you experiencing shooting pain in your heel? Identifying the specific location of the pain can offer valuable insight into the underlying causes. If you are grappling with intense pain and inflammation extending from the heel through the arch of your foot, plantar fasciitis may be the culprit. This condition is caused by the micro-tearing of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. An abnormal bone growth on the bottom of your heel, known as a heel spur, also can be a source of shooting pain. Adjusting your footwear and investing in custom sole inserts can provide the necessary support and shock absorption, easing discomfort over time. If you recently stepped on a hard object with full force on the heel, you may have an injury commonly referred to as a stone bruise. In addition, a high-impact injury from a car accident or fall can lead to heel fractures. Accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment are key to overcoming shooting pain in the heel. If you are experiencing persistent discomfort in the heel, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can conduct an examination and guide you toward the appropriate treatment. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Pete O’Donald, DPM of Texas. 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 contact our office located in Nederland, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle sprains occur when the ankle twists or turns, particularly in an inverted position, affecting the lateral ligaments. This strain forces body weight onto the outer edge of the ankle, resulting in stretching and potential tearing of ligaments that help to hold the ankle joint together. Repeated ankle sprains can lead to ankle instability, where the ankle turns inward during physical activity. Individuals who experience chronic ankle sprains may face thickening and irritation of previously sprained ligaments, causing impingement problems and discomfort near the ankle joint's edge. A severe variant, known as a high ankle sprain, damages supportive ligaments above the ankle joint. Recovery from a recurring sprain takes at least twice as long compared to more common sprains. For that reason, prevention is key. This involves performing exercises to strengthen ankle supporting muscles, wearing appropriate footwear for specific activities, and staying mindful of uneven surfaces. Prioritizing ankle health through preventive measures, seeking prompt medical attention, and following a comprehensive rehabilitation plan, can minimize the long-term effects of ankle sprains. Strengthening exercises, wearing proper footwear, and certain ankle braces can help to reduce the risk of ankle sprains. If you have sprained an ankle, it is suggested that you make an immediate appointment with 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.

Ollier’s disease is a condition where a person develops non-cancerous cartilage growths, called enchondromas, inside their bones. It often affects the bones in the hands and feet, which can cause the bones to become deformed. This can make the hands and feet look abnormal and may lead to problems like shorter limbs, fingers, or toes. Even though these growths start as non-cancerous, there is a small risk they can become cancerous later. People with Ollier’s disease usually have a normal life span, and it does not affect their intelligence. The disease is often noticed in children around the age of 5 and the growths typically stop once they reach early adulthood. If you notice something amiss with your child’s feet, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Pete O’Donald, DPM of Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Nederland, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.