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Can High Heels Damage the Feet?
Many women choose to wear high heels to accent the shape of the foot, despite the pain that may be endured. Additionally, other foot conditions may develop as a result of wearing this type of shoe, including blisters, deformities involving the toes, bunions, and strained calf muscles. Research has shown that when they are worn occasionally, it may give the feet the needed time to rest and heal. It may be beneficial to wear flat shoes or a more comfortable style that may include shoes that are wider, which may give the toes adequate room to move about in. Moderate relief may be found when gentle stretching exercises are performed. This may be accomplished by rolling your foot over a tennis ball, which will stretch the bottom of the foot, in addition to having your heel drop as you stand on a step, which will aid in stretching the heel. If you would like additional information about how high heels affect the feet, please consult with a podiatrist.
High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM from Limons Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors 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 offices located in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about Effect of High Heels on the FeetHeel Pain Can Be Treated!
Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.
Helpful Tips for Proper Foot Care
Foot care is considered to be an essential part of one’s overall well-being, so it is crucial that you take precautions to care of your feet. Perhaps the most important tip to follow is to never ignore pain in your feet. As soon as you notice a substantial amount of pain in either of your feet, you should immediately contact your podiatrist. Another tip is to perform daily foot inspections, so you will be able to treat any issues before they progressively become worse. Additionally, it is important to practice proper hygiene and to wash your feet on a daily basis to ensure that you are not exposing yourself to harmful bacteria. The way you trim your toenails has an influence on whether or not you will develop painful ingrown toenails. The best way to trim your nails is to trim them straight across instead of in a rounded shape. For diabetics, it is especially important that you take care of your feet, because these ordinary foot conditions can easily become more serious.
Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM from Limons Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Everyday Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.
It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about Everyday Foot CareWhat is the Difference Between a Heel Spur and Plantar Fasciitis?
If you experience the pain of a heel spur, it may be mistaken for a plantar fasciitis injury. The symptoms are similar and may include tenderness and pain at the bottom of the heel, and this may cause difficulty in walking. A heel spur is identified as a bony protrusion that extends from the heel bone, and it may often represent a hook. Having an X-ray performed is generally an effective way to differentiate between the two conditions and this will allow the bony growth to be seen. Research has shown that it typically originates from a poor running or walking pattern, shoes that fit poorly, or from obesity, because the heel must endure additional pressure. Effective treatment remedies may include possibly ceasing the activity that caused this injury to occur in addition to performing proper stretching techniques that may provide moderate relief. It’s advised to consult with a podiatrist for additional information about heel spurs.
Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM from Limons Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.
Heels Spurs
Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.
Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.
Pain
The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.
Treatments
There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.
If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices located in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, FL . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.
Read more about How to Treat Heel SpursCardinals’ Bader Suffers Ankle Injury
Harrison Bader of the St. Louis Cardinals was removed in a game against the Reds due to an ankle injury. It was revealed that he “tweaked his ankle” while rounding first base on a base hit. In regards to the injury, Bader has stated, “I felt some pain and I just didn't want to put any more pressure on something that might've been worse than what it actually was.” Bader was in obvious pain and went through a few tests on the field before being taken out of the game. To replace Bader in the game, Tommy Pham was called upon to pinch run during the game. Pham was successful as an unexpected substitute and delivered a go-ahead two-run single to center fielder in the fourth inning.
Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM from Limons Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors 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
- 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 our offices located in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Read more about Ankle Pain
Tell-Tale Signs of Poor Health in Your Feet
Our feet are crucial parts of our bodies, and the appearance of them may say a lot about our health. The color of your toenails may reveal whether or not you have an infection; most of the time, toenail discoloration will be a sign of a fungal infection. Another sign of poor health you should look for on your feet, is the amount of hair on them. It is natural to have hair on your toes, and a gradual loss of hair could be a sign of poor circulation. Additionally, the big toe may say a lot about your health. A swollen big toe may be a sign of an acute gout attack or it may mean you have arthritis. If you are experiencing any of these foot issues, you should not hesitate to seek help from your podiatrist.
Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM from Limons Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Everyday Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.
It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about Every Day Foot CareWhy Live with Pain and Numbness in Your Feet?
Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.
What are the Different Types of Corns?
Corns will typically develop on the pinky toe or between the toes as a result of pressure and friction. A common cause of the development of this condition, is from shoes that do not fit correctly, which causes the toes to have inadequate room to move about. This painful ailment may cause pain to exist inside the toe, and this may be a result of the pressure that is exerted on sensitive nerves. Corns are divided into two categories, and are referred to as hard or soft corns. The latter will exist in between the toes and will thrive in moist environments. Hard corns typically form on the tops of the toes where that portion of the toe meets the shoe. Corns can be prevented by choosing to wear shoes that fit properly. If you are experiencing hard or soft corns, it’s advised to consult with a podiatrist who can suggest proper treatment options that are correct for you.
Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM of Limons Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.
Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:
- Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
- Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
- Wearing only shoes that offer support
Treating Corns
Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about Corns: What Are They, and How Do You Get Rid of ThemAngels’ Outfielder Suffers Ankle Sprain
Andrelton Simmons of the Los Angeles Angels suffered a sprained ankle and may take a trip to the disabled list. When asked about the sprain he stated, “Nothing is broke, but I sprained it pretty decent.” He suffered the injury while coming down the dugout step in a game against the Royals. He fell down, got up, and then tried to walk it off to finish playing the game. Simmons is hopeful he will be able to move around after a few days but knows the disabled list is likely in his future.
Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM from Limons Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?
Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.
What Are the Symptoms?
- Mild to moderate bruising
- Limited mobility
- Swelling
- Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)
Preventing a Sprain
- Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
- Stretching before exercises and sports
- Knowing your limits
Treatment of a Sprain
Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.
If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about Ankle SprainsDo Your Child's Feet Hurt?
Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.
More...
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition, which causes the immune system to attack the joints. This condition is known to affect the hands, feet, and wrists. There are general symptoms to look for if you suspect that you may be suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. The most common symptom of this condition is joint pain. This pain usually presents itself as a throbbing sensation or as a constant ache in the joint. This joint pain is usually at its worst after periods of inactivity, which is why people with RA feel the majority of this type of pain in the morning. Symptoms of this condition may vary from person to person, and if you suspect that you have rheumatoid arthritis in your feet, you should speak with your podiatrist as soon as possible.
Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM of Limons Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.
Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet
Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.
Symptoms
- Swelling and pain in the feet
- Stiffness in the feet
- Pain on the ball or sole of feet
- Joint shift and deformation
Diagnosis
Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about Rheumatoid Arthritis in the FeetCauses of Ingrown Toenails
The pain of an ingrown toenail can often be uncomfortable and frustrating, and will typically affect the big toe. It generally occurs when the nails are not trimmed correctly, which may cause the side of the nail to grow downward. Additionally, an ingrown toenail may result from wearing shoes that fit poorly. Common symptoms may include the toe appearing red and tender and in severe cases, a discharge may ooze from the affected and surrounding areas. Many patients will benefit from consulting with a podiatrist who may suggest soaking the foot in lukewarm salt water several times per day. This method will soften the skin which may attain moderate relief. If the toenail becomes infected, surgery may be a necessary treatment option for removal of the nail and the infected surrounding tissue. If you would like additional information about how to prevent or treat ingrown toenails, please consult with a podiatrist
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM of Limons Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.
Causes
- Bacterial infections
- Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
- Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
- Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
- Genetic predisposition
Prevention
Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.
Treatment
Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about Ingrown Toenail CareBefore you start dancing...
Symptoms of Poor Foot Circulation
High blood pressure may be one of the more common causes of poor circulation in the feet and toes. When this occurs, the pressure the artery walls must endure is greater than normal. General symptoms may include discomfort and pain, which may typically happen during walking or exercise. Additional symptoms may include cramping, tingling, numbness or pain, which may become severe. Patients may experience a change in color in their lower extremities and they may notice sensitivity and coldness in their feet and toes. There are steps that can be implemented which may prevent circulation problems including ingesting fresh foods which may aid in maintaining a healthy weight, eliminating smoking and practicing a daily exercise program. It’s suggested to consult with a podiatrist who can provide the necessary medical advice if you have discovered you have poor circulation in your feet.
Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM of Limons Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Poor Circulation in the Feet
Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.
Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.
Causes
Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:
- Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness
- Numbness or cramping in the legs
- Skin discoloration
- Slower nail & hair growth
- Erectile dysfunction
Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.
As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Poor Blood Circulation in the Feet