Wearing high heels can dramatically change the way a person walks by shifting the body’s weight forward and placing extra pressure on the front of the foot. This altered gait can lead to shorter steps and reduced balance, increasing the risk of stumbling or falling. In the short term, high heels often cause blisters, corns, and pain due to pressure and friction. The risk of ankle sprains also rises as the elevated heel makes the ankle less stable on uneven surfaces. Over time, consistent use of high heels may lead to the shortening of the Achilles tendon, which can result in stiffness or pain even when not wearing heels. Additionally, long-term wear can also affect posture and spine alignment, contributing to discomfort and musculoskeletal strain throughout the body. If you have foot pain from wearing high heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on suitable heel choices.
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 and ankle needs.
Ankle sprains are common in volleyball due to frequent jumping, sudden direction changes, and rapid lateral movements. Landing on an uneven surface, stepping on another player's foot, or twisting the ankle during play can stretch or tear the ligaments. The severity of a sprain is classified into grades. A Grade 1 sprain involves mild stretching of the ligament with slight swelling and discomfort. A Grade 2 sprain results in a partial ligament tear, moderate swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. A Grade 3 sprain is a complete ligament tear, leading to severe pain, significant swelling, instability, and an inability to walk. Proper warm-ups, strengthening exercises, and footwear with adequate support help reduce the risk of ankle sprains. If you have sprained your ankle while playing volleyball, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer appropriate treatment.
Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, 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.
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 one of our offices located in Columbia and Pulaski, TN. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Arch pain can affect people of all activity levels. The arch of the foot supports body weight, absorbs impact, and helps stabilize movement. Pain in this area may be linked to plantar fasciitis, the most common cause, where the ligament connecting the heel to the toes becomes inflamed from overuse or strain. Another cause of arch pain is posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, which occurs when the tendon that supports the arch weakens or becomes injured. Cavus foot, a condition involving unusually high arches, may lead to instability and pressure-related discomfort. Overpronation, where the foot rolls inward excessively while walking, can also place undue stress on the arch and nearby joints. Risk factors such as weight gain, aging, and repetitive stress on the feet may contribute to these conditions. Arch pain is sometimes felt in the heel, ball of the foot, or ankle, and may worsen during or after standing or walking. If you have pain in the arch of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot 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.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
Bunions
Hammertoes
Plantar Fasciitis
Bone Spurs
Corns
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Ingrown Toenails
Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
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.
Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.
