Items filtered by date: October 2024

Wearing high heels can significantly alter foot biomechanics, leading to various issues over time. The elevated position of the heel shifts body weight forward, increasing pressure on the forefoot and contributing to the development of bunions. This misalignment forces the big toe to deviate, causing painful deformities. Additionally, high heels can result in ankle inversion injuries, as the instability and lack of support increase the risk of rolling the ankle during movement. Prolonged wear can also lead to osteoarthritis, particularly in the joints of the feet, due to the excessive strain placed on them. Understanding these potential consequences is essential for people who frequently wear high heels. If you have developed a foot condition from wearing high heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment methods and guide you on choosing different shoe options.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Daniel Mendoza, DPM from Nashville Podiatry. 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?

• 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 Hendersonville, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Shoe orthotics are custom insoles designed to support and align the feet, improving overall comfort and function. There are several signs that may indicate the need for orthotics. Persistent foot pain, especially after physical activities, can signal an underlying issue. If you experience discomfort in your heels, arches, or toes, it may be time to consider orthotics. Additionally, frequently feeling fatigued or noticing changes in your walking pattern, such as limping or uneven wear on your shoes, can be indicators. People with certain conditions, like flat feet or plantar fasciitis, often benefit from orthotic support. If you have chronic foot pain or minor discomfort, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if custom orthotics are right for you.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Daniel Mendoza, DPM from Nashville Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Sever's disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is an overuse injury that affects the growth plate in the heel of growing children and adolescents, usually between the ages of eight and 15. It occurs when repetitive stress or pressure on the heel bone, often from sports or physical activities, causes inflammation and pain in the heel. Sever's disease is common in children who are physically active and going through growth spurts, as the bones grow faster than the muscles and tendons, leading to increased tension on the heel. It manifests as heel pain, swelling, and tenderness, particularly during or after physical activity. Treatment focuses on reducing activity levels and wearing supportive footwear or orthotics. Most children outgrow the condition once their bones stop growing. If your child has heel pain that is persistent, it is suggested that an appointment be made with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment to alleviate pain.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Daniel Mendoza, DPM from Nashville Podiatry. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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