High heels, while often a stylish footwear choice, can lead to foot problems for many women. Regularly wearing these types of shoes can result in the feet becoming flatter, causing the big toe to deviate abnormally, either inwards or outwards. This is not just limited to the big toe, as the little toe can also be affected, tending to bend inwards. The altered posture and pressure points created by the elevated heel height can lead to various deformities. For women who frequently choose to wear high heels, it is essential to recognize the potential long-term effect on their foot health. If you enjoy wearing high heels, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer guidance on how to wear heels in a way that minimizes harm. They can also suggest alternative fashionable footwear options that provide a better balance between fashion and foot health. Taking these precautions may help to prevent long-term foot issues.

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 Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. 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 one of our offices located in Media, Glen Mills, Riddle Memorial Hospital, and Concordville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Heel pain, often attributed to plantar fasciitis, is a frequent complaint that affects individuals of all ages and activity levels. The plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot, can become inflamed and damaged, leading to persistent discomfort. Plantar fasciitis typically manifests as sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, particularly with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. This pain often eases with activity but can return after periods of standing or walking. The condition is usually a result of repetitive strain, such as excessive use, which leads to micro-tears in the plantar fascia. Addressing heel pain and plantar fasciitis often involves a multi-faceted approach. Understanding the causes and treatment options for heel pain and plantar fasciitis is the first step in finding relief from this common, yet manageable, foot ailment. If you are experiencing persistent heel pain, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can determine the most appropriate approach to treating plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Media, Glen Mills, Riddle Memorial Hospital, and Concordville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot orthotics, whether over-the-counter or custom-made, are specialized insoles designed to address various foot and gait-related issues. They work by correcting imbalances in foot structure and gait, improving posture, and relieving pain through support and pressure redistribution. Custom orthotics, which are molded to the individual's foot shape, offer a personalized fit ideal for specific alignment problems, pathologies, or deformities. They aid in healing by reducing strain on injured areas and can prevent conditions like stress fractures, tendonitis, and tendon rupture. Orthotics also provide cushioning, shock absorption, and enhanced stability, thereby reducing the risk of falls. Athletes can benefit from custom foot orthotics by improving foot support, limiting shock, and reducing tendon stress. This can enhance performance while minimizing injury risk. Over-the-counter insoles may offer basic comfort but lack the effectiveness of custom orthotics. This makes custom orthotics the preferred choice for those with unique foot-related needs. It is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to ensure the proper fit and function of orthotics tailored to your individual foot needs.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Media, Glen Mills, Riddle Memorial Hospital, and Concordville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Achilles tendinopathy, or inflammation of the Achilles tendon, can hinder daily activities and mobility. The primary cause of Achilles tendinopathy is overuse, often prevalent among runners and others engaged in sports that involve repetitive stress on the Achilles tendon. This can lead to small tears and degeneration of the tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel. Those individuals with flat feet or over-pronated feet are at a higher risk. This can be a result of the flattened arches placing constant strain on the tendon, resulting in inflammation, pain, and swelling. Footwear choices, such as flip flops, sandals or high heels, can make the condition worse. Further, being overweight places extra stress on various body parts, including the Achilles tendon. A common symptom of Achilles tendinopathy is pain and tenderness in the back of the heel or ankle, which often gets worse with physical activity. Other symptoms can include stiffness in the ankle, reduced range of motion, and tendon swelling and thickening. Additionally, patents may experience a noticeable cracking or creaking sensation during movement. If you suspect you have Achilles tendinopathy or are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan. 

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Media, Glen Mills, Riddle Memorial Hospital, and Concordville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Dry, cracked heels are a common issue that can cause discomfort. These fissures in the skin often result from dryness, pressure, or various lifestyle and medical factors. While not usually a severe health concern, untreated cracked heels can become painful. This condition typically starts with dry skin. Daily activities such as standing, walking, or running exert pressure on the feet, causing the heel pads to expand. When combined with dryness, the skin can crack, creating openings for bacteria and viruses. Other potential causes of cracked heels include lifestyle choices that can include walking barefoot, taking hot showers, or using harsh soaps. Wearing ill-fitting shoes with poor support can also contribute to cracked heels. On a medical front, factors like diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, fungal infections, and hypothyroidism may also lead to developing cracked heels. Preventing cracked heels involves addressing dry skin and its underlying causes. Moisturizing is key, and products such as custom shoe inserts, padded socks, and heel relief sleeves can help protect and hydrate the skin. To treat existing dry, cracked heels, it is helpful to focus on hydration and protection. If this problem persists or causes pain, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a more advanced treatment plan.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Media, Glen Mills, Riddle Memorial Hospital, and Concordville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.