Items filtered by date: September 2024

Wearing high heels can significantly impact the structure of your feet over time. These stylish shoes force the foot into an unnatural position, with the heel elevated and the toes pointed downward. This altered stance places excessive pressure on the forefoot, potentially leading to structural changes such as bunions, hammertoes, and increased risk of arthritis. The continuous use of high heels can shorten the Achilles tendon and weaken the calf muscles, affecting overall foot alignment and posture. Additionally, the lack of proper arch support in high heels can contribute to conditions like plantar fasciitis. If you have developed a foot condition from wearing high heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you with an effective treatment plan.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Steven Sheridan from Ankle & Foot Specialty Clinics. 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 Sandusky, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain and discomfort. This condition commonly affects the big toe and can result from improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, or genetic predisposition. Early symptoms include redness, swelling, and tenderness along the nail edges. If left untreated, ingrown toenails can lead to infection, abscesses, and chronic pain, which may complicate walking or lead to more severe health issues. Individuals with poor nail-cutting habits, wearing tight footwear, or certain foot deformities are at higher risk. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, during which a podiatrist will assess the nail and surrounding tissues. In some cases, an X-ray may be used to rule out other conditions. To address persistent ingrown toenails and prevent complications, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for proper treatment and care.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Steven Sheridan of Ankle & Foot Specialty Clinics. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition affecting the foot, characterized by the thickening of the tissue surrounding a nerve leading to the toes. This often results in sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot, with possible numbness or tingling extending into the toes. Symptoms typically worsen with activity and improve with rest. Several risk factors contribute to Morton’s neuroma, including wearing high-heeled or narrow shoes that compress the toes, engaging in high-impact activities, and having foot deformities such as flat feet or high arches. Women are more frequently affected than men, likely due to footwear choices. Wearing proper footwear, avoiding high heels, and using orthotic inserts can help alleviate symptoms. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Steven Sheridan of Ankle & Foot Specialty Clinics. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, occur when the arches of the feet are lower than usual or completely flat, causing the entire sole of the foot to touch the ground when standing. While many people with flat feet experience no symptoms, others may develop pain, particularly in the feet, ankles, or lower legs. This condition can lead to overpronation, where the foot rolls inward excessively during walking or running, potentially causing alignment issues and stress on the knees and hips. If flat feet develop suddenly in adulthood, it may indicate an underlying issue such as a tendon injury or arthritis. If you have persistent pain and difficulty engaging in activities because of flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can assess the severity, recommend treatments like orthotics, and guide you on managing symptoms to prevent complications and improve foot function.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Steven Sheridan from Ankle & Foot Specialty Clinics. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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