Items filtered by date: September 2018

Most women who choose to wear high heels are aware of the possibility of injuring their feet or ankles. Common injuries that are endured may be sprains, broken ankles, or stress fractures. This may be a result of the difference in balancing the body on these types of shoes as opposed to wearing flat shoes or sneakers. Additionally, if these types of shoes are worn frequently, the foot is limited in performing the natural motion of flexing and pointing, which may aid in strengthening the foot. If wearing high heels is necessary for work, it’s important to wear flats to and from the work environment, in addition to slipping them off and gently flexing the feet every few hours. If you would like additional information about how your feet may be affected from wearing high heels, please speak 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 one of our podiatrists from Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. 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 one of our offices located in Debary, Lake Mary, Orlando, and Oviedo, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Research has shown that it is not necessary for children to wear shoes until they begin to walk. This may allow the muscles and tendons to naturally stretch while they are sitting or lying down. When walking commences, it’s beneficial to choose shoes that can protect the feet, in addition to having a textured sole that can grip the ground while walking, which may prevent falling. Shoes should always fit correctly and offer a maximum comfort level. This may include making sure there is adequate room for the toes to move about in, and should fit tightly at the heel, which may sustain stability while the child walks. Most babies are born with flat feet, and the arch will typically develop as the child grows. If you notice your child has certain foot conditions in which the toes turn in or the arch in the foot does not develop, it’s suggested that you and your child should consult with a podiatrist for proper treatment options.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Debary, Lake Mary, Orlando, and Oviedo, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The foot condition known as hammer toe is classified as a deformity of the toe. The top of the toe is bent downwards, and this often occurs as a result of wearing shoes that do not fit properly. These particular types of shoes often do not have adequate room in the area so the toes can move freely about, often causing the toes to cramp. The tendons and muscles of the toes and feet often become shorter, which may produce pain and discomfort. There may be additional foot conditions that may form as a result of hammertoe including corns and bunions. Measures can be implemented to reduce any discomfort that may be experienced. These may include choosing to wear shoes that fit properly, using corn pads to protect the joint that is protruding, and performing gentle exercises, which may aid in strengthening the muscles of the foot. If you have developed hammertoe, please consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible to discuss treatment options.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Debary, Lake Mary, Orlando, and Oviedo, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If you choose to stand on your feet for the majority of the day, you may be susceptible to a skin condition that is known as cracked heels. This may typically occur as a result of the increased pressure the heels must endure, and may often produce considerable discomfort and pain. Research has shown there may be additional causes of cracked heels, including eczema, fungus conditions such as athlete’s foot, or a sunburn where the bottom of the feet are affected. In severely cracked heels, fissures may develop, which may be a gateway for germs to enter the body, possibly leading to infections. Patients may find moderate relief in eliminating the dry skin by utilizing a good moisturizer and spending less time standing on their feet. If athletes foot is the culprit, it may be treated by using an antifungal spray on your feet. If you experience cracked heels and it is affecting your daily activities, please consult with a podiatrist for information about what treatment options are best for you.

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 one of our podiatrists from Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Debary, Lake Mary, Orlando, and Oviedo, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.