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Pain Related to Wearing High Heels

High-heeled shoes can alter foot posture and place stress on the feet and ankles. Elevating the heel shifts body weight forward, increasing pressure under the ball of the foot and compressing the toes. This change in alignment can strain joints, irritate nerves, and overload soft tissues that help stabilize the arch. Patients may notice burning pain beneath the forefoot, aching in the heel, stiffness through the mid-foot, or soreness around the ankle. A narrow toe box can crowd the toes, contributing to bunions, hammertoes, and possible ingrown toenails. A podiatrist evaluates gait, joint motion, and areas of pressure to identify the source of pain. Treatment options include padding, orthotic devices to redistribute load, and guidance on shoe choices. If you feel pain after wearing high-heeled shoes, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, 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 Geller Foot Clinic. 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 Lathrup Village, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Gout Pain Can Be Managed

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

When Nerve Pain Stops You Mid-Step

Morton’s neuroma is a painful nerve condition that affects the ball of the foot, most often between the third and fourth toes. The foot usually looks normal on the outside, but some people notice mild swelling or spreading of the toes. It often feels like burning or numbness, sometimes described as standing on a pebble or a folded sock. Symptoms may worsen with walking, running, or wearing tight shoes. A podiatrist can help from the start by evaluating symptoms, examining foot structure, and confirming the diagnosis with imaging when needed. Treatment may begin with footwear changes, padding, orthotics, and inflammation control. Care can then progress into activity modification and advanced treatment options when conservative care is not effective. It is suggested that if you are experiencing nerve pain in the ball of the foot, you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Geller Foot Clinic. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

  • Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
  • Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
  • Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

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Ankle Sprains in Volleyball Players

Ankle sprains are a common injury among volleyball players due to sudden jumps, quick lateral movements, and unexpected landings. These movements can stretch or tear the ligaments that support the ankle, causing pain and instability. Symptoms of an ankle sprain include swelling, bruising, tenderness, difficulty bearing weight, and a feeling of the ankle giving way during activity. If left untreated, repeated sprains can lead to chronic instability and long-term joint problems. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the sprain, recommend appropriate treatment such as rest or bracing, and provide guidance on proper footwear or supportive devices to prevent future injuries. If you have  ankle pain or instability after volleyball activity, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist to restore stability, reduce pain, and protect your ankle for a safe return to the sport.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Geller Foot Clinic. 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 office located in Lathrup Village, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Choosing the Right Shoes for Restaurant Work

Restaurant work requires long hours on your feet, making the right shoes essential for comfort and safety. Wearing proper footwear helps reduce fatigue, improve posture, and protect against slips and falls in fast-paced environments. Shoes designed for restaurant work should offer good support to cushion the feet and reduce stress on the ankles and knees. Durability is also important, since shoes must withstand constant movement, spills, and repeated cleaning. Additionally, a  good grip on the sole helps prevent slipping on wet or greasy floors, which is a common workplace hazard. Wearing poor footwear can lead to foot pain, heel discomfort, and long-term problems. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot structure, work demands, and pain concerns to recommend supportive shoes or custom orthotics. If foot pain is affecting your job performance, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle conditions, and guide you on appropriate shoes to wear for your workday.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Geller Foot Clinic. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Lathrup Village, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about How to Handle a Long Work Day on Your Feet

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