Items filtered by date: January 2017

For women who work regularly in business settings, they may find themselves wearing high heels for prolonged periods of time. However, it’s important to know that long-term wearing of high heels can not only be painful for your feet, but this can also lead to deformities developing over time, such as corns, calluses, bunions, and ingrown toenails. The higher the heel, the more the foot will slide forward, forcing a small toe box, and increasing pressure on the ball of the foot. High heels shift the structure of our bodies, putting strain on our spine and leading to back pain. High heels also lack shock absorption and cause your ankles to put in more work to support your weight. They can also put excessive strain on your calves. To help prevent these problems, try to either find an alternative to high heels or limit your usage.

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 New Jersey Foot & Ankle Centers. 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 Oradell, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The use of technology has drastically transformed the way we do things, even in the world of medicine. With a combination of virtual reality and treadmill training, an Israeli study shows that this may be an effective way to prevent dangerous falls associated with aging. Currently, this collaboration of virtual reality and treadmill techniques focus on improving muscle strength, balance, and gait. This Israeli research team, in conjunction with partners across Europe, have found that physical mobility and cognition are important for safe walking, and that participants reduced their risk of falling for at least six month post-training.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from New Jersey Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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