When it comes to high heels, opinions vary widely. Some find them elegant and empowering, while others associate them with discomfort. If you belong to the latter group, it might be because you have not discovered the right heel height for your feet. Comfort varies from person to person, depending on foot shape, shoe type, and experience with heels. The average heel height is around 3 inches, falling into the mid-height range. Low heels are 1 to 2 inches, while high heels are 3 to 4 inches. Finding your ideal heel height may require some experimentation. It's a good idea to prioritize foot health and alternate between heels and flats. To measure heel height, place the shoe on a flat surface and measure from the bottom of the heel to where it connects to the shoe. If you would like to wear heels, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to get advice on wearing this type of shoe for your particular feet and prioritizing style and comfort.
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 Foot Surgery Specialists of Texas. 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 River Oaksand Sharpstown in Houston, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
In the field of podiatry, a significant shift has occurred over the past four decades. Initially, due to the challenges of obtaining hospital privileges, most podiatry surgeries were performed in-office. In-office surgery may seem unconventional to younger podiatrists, but it is an opportunity with benefits for both patients and doctors. With advancements in technology and cost-effective tools, in-office surgery offers practical solutions for common podiatric conditions. In addition to reducing costs, in-office surgery saves time, enhances patient convenience, and aligns with the changing landscape of healthcare. It is cost-effective and good for minimally invasive procedures. With local anesthesia and modern techniques, complications are minimal, and recovery is faster. While hospital-based surgery remains essential for certain cases, in-office surgery presents a valuable option for many podiatric procedures. Patients can have more immediate healing and cost savings, and podiatrists have an opportunity to diversify their practice and improve patient outcomes. If you need foot surgery, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss whether they provide in-office procedures.
Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:
Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
Cosmetic reconstruction
What Types of Surgery Are There?
The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:
Bunionectomy for painful bunions
Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage
Benefits of Surgery
Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.
Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in River Oaksand Sharpstown in Houston, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
The toes are often overlooked in adulthood, but they play a vital role in our balance and mobility. Each toe, except the big toe, is comprised of three bones each and supports roughly 75% of our body weight during walking, balance, and movement. Proper toe function involves spreading them wide for stability and providing a boost as the foot lifts off the ground, aiding stride length and speed. Toes also serve as information conduits, relaying shifts in body weight to the brain for adjustments. When toes are injured or stiff, it can impact your gait and lead to imbalances in other muscles and joints, potentially causing issues like knee, hip, or lower back pain. Ill-fitting shoes and tight socks can lead to cramped toes, resulting in painful bunions and an increased risk of fungal infections. Treatment for toe pain varies, with anti-inflammatories or pain relief for conditions like gout or arthritis. Mechanical issues in the foot can also cause toe pain, affecting muscles, tendons, and ligaments. If you have toe pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to assess your feet and gait to identify the underlying cause and prevent it from affecting other body parts
Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot Surgery Specialists of Texas. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Causes Toe Pain?
Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.
Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
Trauma
Sports injury
Wearing shoes that are too tight
Arthritis
Gout
Corns and calluses
Hammertoe
Bunions
Blisters
Ingrown toenails
Sprains
Fractures (broken bones)
Dislocations
When to See a Podiatrist
Severe pain
Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
Signs of infection
Continued swelling
Pain that prevents walking
Diagnosis
In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in River Oaksand Sharpstown in Houston, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!
