February 2015
Friday, 20 February 2015 00:00
Study Finds High Heels Cause a Wide Variety of Foot and Ankle Problems
High heels are a major staple in nearly every woman’s wardrobe; unfortunately many doctors are telling their patients to avoid them at all costs to protect the feet and ankles from serious damage. Many women are aware that high heels will cause the usual pain of blisters and corns, but in a recent study, it was found that the shoe has the potential to change the entire way the foot moves even after they are taken off. The study listed nearly twelve possible injuries heel wearers can obtain from wearing the shoe type too often including: Morton’s neuroma, Achilles tendonitis, hammertoes, pump bump, sprained ankles, and arthritis. If avoiding high heels is not possible, professionals recommend wearing a lower heel or a heel with a wider toe box to avoid some of these ailments.
High heels are very fashionable and a necessity to some, but they can cause a tremendous about of harm to the feet and ankles. To learn more, contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will answer all of your foot- and ankle-related questions.
Effects of High Heels on the Feet
High heels are popular shoes among women because they are associated with femininity. Despite their appeal, they can cause many health problems if worn too frequently.
What parts 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. Also, 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.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about the Effects of High Heels
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 17 February 2015 00:00
Certain Massaging Techniques can Further Damage in Mortons Neuroma Patients
Morton’s Neuroma occurs when a nerve between the third and fourth or the second and third toes becomes compressed or injured. Those with Morton’s neuroma may typically feel sharp pain, burning, or numbness in the foot and the nerves may thicken causing a visible lump in the foot. According to Dr. Anthony Komaroff of Harvard Medical School, women are at a greater risk because they usually wear tight shoes or high heels. One of the best ways to prevent and treat Morton’s neuroma is to wear low heeled shoes with a wider toe box so the bones, ligaments, muscles and nerves, are not squeezed. Dr. K also recommends massaging the area or visiting your foot care professional for metatarsal pads to help correct any structural problems you may have. If the pain persists, doctors may inject a local anesthetic with corticosteroid to reduce inflammation. Surgery may be needed if the previously mentioned methods do not work. Morton’s neuroma can be a difficult condition to live with. If you would like to learn more about your Morton’s neuroma and possible treatment options, speak to podiatrist Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Dr. Lapoff will diagnose and treat your feet accordingly.
Morton’s Neuroma
Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the third and fourth toe and the ball of the foot, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible to this condition. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones. Women are more likely than men to have an occurrence of this foot condition.
What Increases the Chances of having Morton’s Neuroma?
-Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot area.
-Jogging, running and any sports that involve constant impact to the foot area.
-Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformity may put you at a higher risk for developing Morton’s neuroma.
If you suspect that you may have this condition, you should visit your podiatrist. A podiatrist will first conduct a thorough physical examination to check for palpable masses between the bones of the foot.
If you have any questions, please contact our office located in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Read more on Morton’s Neuroma
Published in Blog
Wednesday, 04 February 2015 00:00
Kim Jong-un Disappears to Resolve Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
It has recently appeared as though North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un has disappeared from the public eye for a prolonged period of time after he was spotted limping due to a mysterious illness. Since then, it was discovered that Kim Jong-un has been diagnosed with tarsal tunnel syndrome in his right ankle and has received surgery to resolve the condition.Tarsal tunnel syndrome is described as the compression of nerves from the soles into the tarsal tunnel inside of the ankle joint. Those that are flat footed, have irregular arches, or have a damaged tunnel are more susceptible to the syndrome. Tarsal tunnel syndrome can often become aggravated when standing for long periods of time and is often resolved with corrective arch supports and anti-inflammatory drugs. Surgery is only suggested in extreme cases of the condition.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is not an easy condition to endure. If you have pain in your foot or ankle, see Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Dr. Lapoff can treat your foot and ankle needs.
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.
For more information about Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office located in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Read more about Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
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