Wearing high heels changes the way the body stands and walks. The raised heel pushes body weight forward onto the ball of the foot, which can lead to bunions, hammertoes, and burning pain under the toes. Because the foot is held at an angle, the ankle becomes less stable, and the calf muscles gradually tighten. This makes walking less natural and can cause ankle sprains. Over time, the knees, hips, and lower back compensate for this altered posture, which can lead to aching legs and back discomfort after only a short period of standing or walking. A podiatrist can examine foot alignment, identify pressure points, and determine whether structural changes have developed. Treatment options include custom orthotics, protective padding, and professional care for irritated joints, nerves, or deformities caused by prolonged wearing of high-heeled shoes. If you have foot pain after wearing high heels, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact the foot specialists from Academy Foot and Ankle Specialists. 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 offices located in Southlake, Keller (Fort Worth), Hurst, North Richland Hills, Flower Mound, Argyle, and Denton, TX. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Most foot wounds heal with time and proper care, but some fail to improve, despite treatment. Poor circulation is a common reason, as reduced blood flow limits oxygen and nutrient delivery needed for healing. Diabetes can also slow recovery by affecting nerves, immune response, and blood vessels, making injuries harder to feel and treat early. Ongoing pressure from walking, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or abnormal foot structure may repeatedly reopen wounds. Infection is another major factor, as bacteria can delay tissue repair and increase inflammation. Certain wounds become chronic when underlying conditions are not addressed. Skin breakdown may continue if pressure points are not offloaded, or if moisture and friction persist. Early evaluation is important to prevent complications. When a foot wound does not show signs of healing or continues to worsen, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist as quickly as possible for appropriate treatment.

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 the foot specialists from Academy Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors 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 contact our offices located in Southlake, Keller (Fort Worth), Hurst, North Richland Hills, Flower Mound, Argyle, and Denton, TX. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Total ankle replacement is a surgical option designed to relieve pain and restore motion in people with severe ankle arthritis. Not everyone qualifies for this procedure. Ideal candidates usually have advanced joint damage that has not improved with conservative care such as bracing, injections, or targeted exercises. Good bone quality and stable ligaments are important to support the implant. Overall health also matters, as healing and long-term outcomes depend on circulation, skin integrity, and the ability to follow postoperative instructions. Patients with significant deformity, active infection, or severe nerve damage may not be appropriate candidates. Activity level is considered as well, since high impact demands can shorten implant lifespan. A thorough evaluation helps determine whether replacement or another treatment is more appropriate. If ankle arthritis is causing ongoing pain or limited mobility, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment that is best for you.

In certain cases, in which the patient suffers from extreme pain or damage in a joint, joint replacement surgery may be deemed useful. If you have constant pain in a foot joint, consult with the foot specialists from Academy Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Joint Replacement Surgery?

Over time, joints wear down; this can be exacerbated by diseases and conditions. Joint replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty, is when a damaged joint is surgically removed and replaced with a prosthesis. Prostheses, which can be made of ceramic, plastic, or metal, act as joints in lieu of an actual joint. One of the most prevalent causes for joint replacement is arthritis.

Arthritis in the Foot

Arthritis can occur in any joint in the body, including in the feet. Common types of arthritis in the foot are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. The big toe is usually where arthritis occurs in the foot; this is known as hallux rigidus.

Joint Replacement Surgery in the Foot

The most common form of joint replacement in the foot is a first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint placement. MTP joint replacement surgery is designed to treat hallux rigidus. Surgery is not intensive, and recovery occurs within one to two months after the procedure has been done. Overall, joint replacement surgery is a safe and effective way to treat pain in the joint of the foot.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Southlake, Keller (Fort Worth), Hurst, North Richland Hills, Flower Mound, Argyle, and Denton, TX. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by compression of the posterior tibial nerve as it travels through the tarsal tunnel near the ankle. This nerve irritation can lead to pain, burning, tingling, or numbness in the toes, sole, or heel. Symptoms may worsen with standing or walking and improve with rest. Common causes include flat feet, swelling, varicose veins, cysts, or injury. Diagnosis is based on a clinical exam and may be supported by imaging such as ultrasound or MRI scans to identify nerve compression. A podiatrist can evaluate symptoms, determine the underlying cause, and develop a treatment plan that may include footwear changes, orthotics, or other interventions. If you have persistent foot pain or numbness, it is suggested you schedule a visit with a podiatrist for expert care and a personalized treatment plan.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact the foot specialists of Academy Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Southlake, Keller (Fort Worth), Hurst, North Richland Hills, Flower Mound, Argyle, and Denton, TX. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.