Wearing high heels may enhance posture and confidence, but they often come at the cost of foot health. Prolonged use can lead to metatarsalgia, a painful inflammation in the ball of the foot, as well as Achilles tendon pain due to constant strain. Tight or narrow high heels commonly cause blisters and pressure points that lead to further discomfort. A podiatrist can provide expert care through custom orthotics, stretching regimens, and preventive guidance tailored to your lifestyle. Early intervention can reduce long-term damage and restore comfort. If you are experiencing persistent pain or discomfort from your footwear, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to protect your feet and maintain your mobility for years to come.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact our podiatrists from Superior Foot & Ankle Center. 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 Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Haglund's syndrome, often called a pump bump, is a bony enlargement on the back of the heel where the Achilles tendon attaches. This condition can lead to irritation of the surrounding tissues, often caused by pressure from wearing rigid shoes or high heels. Risk factors include tight calf muscles, high arches, and frequent wearing of poorly fitting footwear. Symptoms may include heel pain, swelling, redness, and a noticeable bump at the back of the foot. A podiatrist can help by recommending proper footwear, custom orthotics, and stretching exercises to relieve pressure and reduce inflammation. If you are experiencing heel pain or discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist to explore treatment options and prevent further irritation.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with our podiatrists from Superior Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that often affects the feet, especially the big toe. It is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the blood, which forms sharp crystals in the joints. Gout is more common in men over 40, postmenopausal women, and anyone with a diet high in red meat, seafood, or alcohol. Those with obesity, kidney disease, or a family history of gout are also at higher risk. A gout attack typically comes on suddenly, often at night, with intense pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the affected joint. The pain can be so severe that even the touch of a bedsheet feels unbearable. A podiatrist can diagnose gout through a physical exam, joint fluid analysis, and blood tests. Treatment includes medications to reduce inflammation and lower uric acid levels, along with dietary guidance and footwear recommendations. If you have had one or more gout flare-ups,  it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist  who can help you to manage this painful condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact our podiatrists from Superior Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a neurological condition that can indirectly contribute to foot problems like plantar fasciitis. MS often causes muscle weakness, changes in gait, and altered foot mechanics, which may place abnormal stress on the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot. Over time, this stress can lead to inflammation and pain. Plantar fasciitis typically causes a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. The bottom of the foot may feel tight, sore, or swollen, making walking uncomfortable. A podiatrist can help manage plantar fasciitis in patients with MS by addressing biomechanical issues, recommending supportive footwear, and creating custom orthotics. Treatment may also include stretching exercises, anti-inflammatory medication, and, in some cases, advanced options like corticosteroid injections. If you are experiencing symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact our podiatrists  from Superior Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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