There are many people who choose to frequently wear high heels, often producing sore feet at the end of the day. It is a common side effect that may be remedied by wearing high heels that have a lower heel. Some of the conditions that may occur from wearing high heels can be quite uncomfortable, including blisters, corns, and bunions. Additionally, the heel may be affected by plantar fasciitis, which can happen from having inadequate support in the arch area. Soaking the feet in warm water may help to relieve existing swelling and aching muscles. The feet can benefit from performing specific strengthening exercises, consisting of calf and heel stretches. People who continue to enjoy wearing high heels may also benefit from choosing a shoe that is well-cushioned and has maximum support for the entire foot. If you would like more information about what kind of high heels to wear that may help to minimize foot pain, please consult with a podiatrist.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Jeffrey Radack, DPM from Texas Regional Foot & Ankle 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 McKinney and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis is an extremely common type of heel pain that can develop in an individual when the plantar fascia, a band of tissue in the arch of the foot, becomes inflamed. Many different physical activities can cause plantar fasciitis. One of these overlooked causes can be driving repeatedly. Someone who is constantly driving may be increasing their susceptibility to plantar fasciitis in their right foot because this foot is needed to constantly press on and off of the gas and brake pedals. This repeated flexing of the foot is known as plantar flexion, and may exacerbate your plantar fasciitis. If you are an excessive driver, there are steps that you might consider taking to mitigate your foot condition. For example, you might be intentional about taking several breaks during car rides so that you may fully stretch your feet and legs. Contact a podiatrist today for more information.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Jeffrey Radack, DPM  from Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. Our doctor 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 McKinney and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

There are individual needs and wants for the majority of shoes, and running shoes are no exception. There are two general categories for these types of shoes, consisting of neutral or stable. Shoes that have limited structure are considered to be neutral, enabling the foot to flex and move freely. They can provide comfort, and the majority of runners prefer to wear these types of running shoes. People who have excessive pronation may choose a stability shoe, and this may provide a more controlled run. Patients who have flat feet may feel more comfortable when they purchase a shoe for stability. Research has shown that people who run long distances may desire shoes that have extra cushioning, providing additional comfort. There are numerous sub-categories for running shoes, and if you would like more information about how to choose the right running shoe, it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact Jeffrey Radack, DPM from Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

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

A hammertoe gets its name from a deformity of the toe that has the appearance of a hammer. The deformed toe gets curled because of a bend that occurs in the middle joint of the affected toe. This often happens due to wearing improperly fitting footwear, such as high heels or shoes that do not have sufficient room in the toe box. The toes are forced to move into a space that is too small or that does not allow for them to lie flat comfortably. This process causes the muscles to tighten and tendons to contract. Other factors that can cause hammertoes include genetics, a broken toe, a sedentary lifestyle, and diseases that inhibit blood flow to the foot. The affected toe(s) may become painful to move and, due to their odd positions, might rub against the inside of shoes causing corns and calluses to form. Often changing footwear and getting orthotics is enough to relieve pain, but if that does not help or the toe has become inflexible or rigid, surgery might be required. Risks of hammertoe surgery include pain and swelling at the site of the operation. If the pain radiates to other parts of the foot, the surgery may have caused nerve damage. Other complications can be numbness, limited range of motion, and infection. The surgery and side effects often depend on the severity of the condition. If you have a hammertoe, it is advised that you see a podiatrist as soon as possible. Tending to this early may help prevent the need for surgery and any complications that could arise.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Jeffrey Radack, DPM from Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our office located in McKinney and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Each foot consists of 26 bones, as well as numerous ligaments, tendons, and muscles. As the aging process occurs, the feet can become weakened by daily stress, but there are measures that can be taken to maintain the health of the feet. These include washing and drying the feet thoroughly, especially between the toes, and trimming the toenails correctly, which may help to prevent ingrown toenails from developing. Blood circulation may be improved, which can contribute to having good foot health. This is accomplished by frequently practicing a gentle exercise routine. It is also beneficial to check the soles of the feet for existing cuts, bruises, and scrapes that may have developed, in addition to wearing socks that can absorb sweat. The feet can feel the most comfortable in shoes with a lower heel, made of breathable materials, and having adequate cushioning that may help to balance the weight of the body. If you have questions and would like more information about how to take care of elderly feet, please confer with a podiatrist.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Jeffrey Radack, DPM from Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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