Wearing high heels can change the way a person walks by shifting body weight forward and placing extra pressure on the front of the foot. This altered position affects normal walking gait, which is the pattern of movement used when taking steps. The heel is lifted, causing shorter strides and reduced balance, while the knees and hips may bend more to compensate. This can strain muscles, tendons, and joints in the feet and ankles. Increased pressure on the forefoot may lead to pain, calluses, and deformities such as bunions. A podiatrist can evaluate gait through a detailed exam, and may use imaging tests to assess alignment and joint stress. Treatment may include custom orthotics, padding to reduce pressure, and guidance on supportive footwear to improve walking mechanics and reduce discomfort. If you have foot pain after wearing high heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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 Central Texas Foot Specialist. 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 Georgetown, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel spur syndrome is a painful condition where a small bony growth forms under the heel. This often develops with plantar fasciitis, which is irritation of the thick band of tissue supporting the arch of the foot. Those with this condition usually feel sharp pain when taking their first steps in the morning. Most people improve with rest, stretching, shoe changes, or targeted exercises. When these options do not work, a minimally invasive surgical method may be considered. This procedure uses a small cut on the bottom of the foot to release tight tissue and reduce pressure. Research shows that this procedure can provide strong pain relief and fast healing for many people. Recovery is typically quicker than traditional surgery, helping people return to daily activities with less discomfort. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment that is right for you.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Central Texas Foot Specialist. our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

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

Foot problems are common in individuals with diabetes due to nerve damage and poor circulation that reduce sensation and slow healing. Preventing complications begins with regular foot checks and proper testing to detect changes early. A monofilament test evaluates protective sensation by applying light pressure to the skin, helping identify loss of feeling. A tuning fork test assesses vibration sense, which may decline with nerve damage. A pinprick test checks the ability to feel sharp sensations, and an ankle jerk reflex test evaluates nerve response and function. These assessments help detect early signs of neuropathy and reduce the risk of foot ulcers or infection. A podiatrist can perform these evaluations and provide ongoing care. If you have foot problems related to diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you care under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

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 Central Texas Foot Specialist. 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 Georgetown, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete's foot is affects the skin on the feet, particularly between the toes and along the soles. This fungal infection develops from contact with fungi that grow in warm and moist environments. For that reason, locker rooms, shared showers, and tight footwear are common sources of exposure. Symptoms include sore flaky patches on the feet, redness, itching, burning sensations, and peeling skin. The infection may spread to the toenails or other areas of the foot, if left untreated. Risk factors include excessive sweating, wearing damp socks, and going barefoot in public athletic facilities. A podiatrist can diagnose the infection and provide targeted treatment to restore healthy skin. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

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 one of our podiatrists from Central Texas Foot Specialist. our doctors 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:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

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:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

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 Georgetown, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.