Wearing high heels regularly can lead to a range of foot and ankle problems. The forward pitch of the foot in high heels places significant pressure on the forefoot, often leading to bunions, hammertoes, corns, and neuromas. Prolonged wearing of high heels can also contribute to plantar fasciitis, a painful condition involving the tissue on the bottom of the foot. High heels limit ankle mobility, which increases strain on the Achilles tendon and calf muscles. Over time, this can shorten and tighten the tendon, raising the risk of tendon tears and muscle cramping. The altered posture caused by high heels shifts the body's alignment and places extra stress on the ankle joints, leading to pain or instability. A podiatrist can assess the impact of wearing high heels on foot structure, recommend custom inserts, and determine whether surgery is needed for long-term problems. If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain from wearing high heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Brian D. Jackson, DPM from Neuhaus Foot and Ankle. 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 one of our offices located in Columbia and Pulaski, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle pain when walking can result from injuries, overuse, or underlying conditions that affect the foot and ankle structure. Common causes include sprains, which involve stretched or torn ligaments, and fractures, where one or more ankle bones break and may shift out of place. Overuse injuries such as tendonitis, bursitis, and plantar fasciitis often develop gradually and worsen with continued walking. Conditions like arthritis, gout, or posterior tibial tendon dysfunction can also cause ankle pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. A podiatrist can perform a thorough physical exam, review your medical history, and use diagnostic tools such as X-rays or MRI scans to identify the source of ankle pain. Treatment options include supportive bracing, shoe modifications, and injections. In some cases, surgery may be needed to repair damaged tendons, realign bones, or even replace the ankle joint. If you are experiencing pain while walking, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Brian D. Jackson, DPM from Neuhaus Foot and Ankle. 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 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 one of our offices located in Columbia and Pulaski, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults and often result from a combination of factors, including poor balance, muscle weakness, vision problems, and foot pain or deformities. Foot issues like bunions, arthritis, or neuropathy can  also affect stability and lead to unsteady walking. Wearing ill-fitting shoes and having an uneven gait can further increase fall risk. Many seniors may feel unsteady or experience a fear of falling, which can lead to reduced physical activity and increased muscle weakening. Symptoms associated with balance problems include dizziness, instability, or difficulty rising from a seated position. A podiatrist can assess fall risk by examining your feet, gait, and footwear. They may recommend custom orthotics, targeted exercises, fall prevention strategies, and appropriate shoes to improve stability. In some cases, treatment of foot pain or correction of deformities can significantly reduce fall risk. If you are at risk for falling, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Brian D. Jackson, DPM from Neuhaus Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Columbia and Pulaski, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toe cramps are sudden, involuntary muscle contractions that can cause sharp pain and temporary stiffness. These cramps may last a few seconds or several minutes and often occur during rest or activity. Common causes include tight or weak foot muscles, exposure to cold temperatures, dehydration, older age, improper footwear, and underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or circulation issues. These factors can lead to muscle fatigue, poor blood flow, or nerve irritation. A podiatrist can help identify the root cause through a detailed examination. Treatment options include stretching exercises, footwear changes, hydration advice, and custom orthotics. If you have frequent toe cramps, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to relieve discomfort and improve foot function with expert care.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Brian D. Jackson, DPM of Neuhaus Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Columbia and Pulaski, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.