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Wearing high heels can cause various foot issues in women. Corns, Morton’s neuroma, and bunions are common conditions that can happen from frequently wearing high heels, and this can be a result of not having enough room for the toes to move freely in. Some women may develop toenail fungus from the constant pressure the nails endure as they are forced to lie against the front of the shoe. Additionally, the Achilles tendon may become shorter from the angle of the shoe, which can lead to developing plantar fasciitis or heel spurs. People who wear high heels may have an increased risk of falling and incurring an ankle injury from losing their balance. An alternative for wearing these types of stylish shoes may be to choose shoes that are wider in the toe area, and have a lower heel. If you have concerns about the possible foot conditions that can develop from wearing high heels, please contact a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.
High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Cory Brown, DPM from Brown 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?
What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?
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 Abilene, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Athlete’s foot, often referred to as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection of the foot. The cause of this affliction is fungi getting into the skin from hot, humid environments. It can be as simple as fungus growing inside of shoes or socks that one wears and sweats in. This ailment is common among teens and young adults as they tend to sweat more and wear shoes for longer periods of time. This infection can be picked up by walking barefoot in warm and humid communal areas, such as locker rooms and poolside. It also can come from not drying feet well after swimming, bathing, or exercising. Usually, athlete’s foot symptoms occur between the 4th and 5th toes. The skin can be cracked, sore, and itchy, appear white and soggy, and may flake. In advanced cases of athlete’s foot, the skin can become quite sore and even bleed. This condition can also spread to the soles and sides of the foot and affect toenails, which can become thick, brittle, and yellow. If left untreated, athlete’s foot can lead to secondary bacterial infections. If you suffer from athlete’s foot, it is important to see a podiatrist immediately.
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Cory Brown, DPM from Brown Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.
What Is Athlete’s Foot?
Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.
Prevention
The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:
Symptoms
Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Abilene, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Hammertoe is a deformity that is usually found in the second toe. It is caused by an imbalance of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that work together to make the toe straight. The result is that the middle joint of the toe raises up to form a peak, while the tip of the toe curls under. The type of shoes you wear, foot structure, and genetics all can contribute to the formation of a hammertoe. Women who wear high heels with pointy toes and children who wear shoes that are too short for their feet are more at risk of developing a hammertoe. Some people are simply born that way. Pain from a hammertoe occurs when the raised joint rubs against the inside of the top of the shoe. A corn or callus can develop, which may affect the gait and can increase pain in other parts of the foot and the body. A podiatrist can give you options for treating a hammertoe. Devices called hammertoe regulators can be custom fitted to help straighten the toe. Gentle exercises, such as picking up a towel with your toes can stretch and straighten the small muscles of the feet. In severe cases, surgery can be performed to permanently straighten the toe. For details on treatment options, please consult a podiatrist.
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Cory Brown, DPM of Brown Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.
Hammertoe
Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.
Symptoms
Risk Factors
Treatment
If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Abilene, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.
Bunions are a common foot deformity. They are easy to notice by the large, bony protrusion that forms on the side of the big toe. An additional complication that can happen from a bunion can include calluses that form as a result of the bunion hitting the side or top of the shoe. Large bunions may cause the other toes to shift toward each other, and bigger shoes may have to be purchased. Bunions are caused by genetic reasons, or from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Bunions can be unsightly, and there are prevention methods that can reduce the risk of getting a bunion. These can include wearing shoes that fit correctly and minimizing stress that is put on the feet. If you have a bunion, a podiatrist can offer you effective treatment methods, and it is strongly suggested that you confer with this type of doctor who can help you to manage this condition.
If you are suffering from bunions, contact Cory Brown, DPM of Brown Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Bunion?
A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.
Why Do Bunions Form?
Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary
Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions
How Are Bunions Diagnosed?
Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.
How Are Bunions Treated?
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Abilene, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
