Items filtered by date: June 2024

High heels are a staple in many women's wardrobes, with about 40 percent wearing them daily. However, the fashionable choice often comes with a painful price. Three quarters of women wearing high heels experience foot pain regularly. The height of the heel and the narrowness of the toe box are the main culprits. High heels often force toes into unnatural positions, that may lead to bunions, which are bumps along the inside of the big toe, and hammertoes, where toes become bent at the middle joint. Over time, these conditions can worsen, causing significant discomfort and permanent changes in foot structure. High heels also can contribute to tight calf muscles, which may result in plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. To avoid these issues, select shoes with a proper fit, ensuring that your toes have adequate space to move. For those already suffering, treatments include toe pads, separators, and in severe cases, surgery. If you are experiencing foot pain from high heels, it may be time to reconsider your footwear choices. For guidance with foot problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

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 Brondon Foot and Ankle. 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 office located in Centerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Achilles tendon ruptures are a significant injury that can often affecting athletes engaged in high-impact sports like basketball, soccer, and tennis. This injury happens when the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone tears, typically during a sudden acceleration, jump, or change in direction. The rupture results in immediate pain, swelling, and an inability to push off the foot or stand on tiptoe. Risk factors include inadequate warm-up, tight calf muscles, and previous tendonitis. Early diagnosis and treatment are important and may include surgical repair for optimal recovery. Preventative measures, such as regular stretching, strengthening exercises, and wearing appropriate footwear, can reduce the risk of an Achilles tendon rupture. If you have endured this type of injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can successfully treat an Achilles tendon injury.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Brondon Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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

Ensuring optimal foot health is essential for individuals with diabetes. Through a daily foot care routine, a diabetic individual can significantly reduce the effect of complications, such as peripheral neuropathy and artery disease. Maintaining stable glucose levels helps to preserve nerve and blood vessel health in the feet. Suggestions for diabetic foot care include undergoing an annual review of your feet with a podiatrist who is trained to recognize foot problems related to diabetes. It is also helpful to regularly inspect your feet for signs of redness, pain, swelling, or skin damage, and be vigilant for any changes in sensation. Conduct the touch-the-toes test to assess feeling in your toes, and take notice of sores or cuts in the feet or ankles that do not heal promptly. Prioritize proper toenail care to prevent ingrown nails that can lead to infections. Avoid using corn removing plasters or blades to prevent skin damage, and opt for wearing well-fitting shoes that provide adequate support and protection. By adhering to these measures and seeking help from a podiatrist as needed, diabetic patients can more effectively manage their foot health. If you have diabetes, It is suggested that you include a podiatrist as an active member of your health care team. 

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Brondon Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Centerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Preventing amputation of diabetic limbs is essential in preserving mobility and enhancing the quality of life for individuals with diabetes. Regular foot care plays a pivotal role in this endeavor. Daily inspection of the feet for cuts, blisters, or ulcers, along with proper hygiene and moisturization, helps detect issues early and prevent complications. Choosing appropriate footwear that fits well and provides adequate support reduces the risk of pressure points and injuries. Managing blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medication adherence is critical in preventing nerve damage and promoting wound healing. Seeking prompt medical attention for any foot problems, no matter how minor, is essential to prevent them from escalating into more serious issues. Regular check-ups with podiatrists allow for comprehensive monitoring of foot health and early intervention if problems arise. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can discuss important measures for limb protection.

Diabetic Limb Salvage

Diabetic limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have a foot ulcer and diabetes, consult with one of our podiatrists from Brondon Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Diabetic Limb Salvage?

Diabetic limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot, that has an infected ulcer, from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.

Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Amputation has been found to lead to higher mortality rates. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Centerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.