High heels place significant stress on the feet by altering natural posture and shifting weight onto the forefoot. This increased pressure on the metatarsal heads often leads to pain across the ball of the foot and strain in the toes. The elevated heel forces the ankle into a pointed position, which shortens the Achilles tendon over time and increases tension along the calf and heel. Wearing high heels also affects the arch of the foot, sometimes leading to flattening or instability, which can contribute to midfoot discomfort. Prolonged use makes balance more difficult and raises the risk of falls or ankle sprains due to the narrowed base of support. Chronic wear has also been linked to bunions, hammertoes, and nerve irritation between the toes. A podiatrist can evaluate these issues, recommend strategies to reduce long-term damage, and provide the appropriate treatment. If you have foot pain after wearing high heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.
High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Kokomo 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 Contact Us. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Inner foot pain often develops from problems involving the posterior tibial tendon, which helps support the arch and stabilize the ankle. When this tendon becomes inflamed or weakened, pain or swelling along the inside of the ankle and foot may develop. This is especially true while walking or standing for long periods of time. As the tendon deteriorates, it can lead to the flattening of the arch, stiffness, and difficulty standing on tiptoes. Causes of posterior tibial tendinitis include repetitive stress from activities like running, prior ankle injuries, flat feet, and obesity. In more advanced cases, damage to the tendon may progress to partial or complete tearing, and result in significant deformity and limited mobility. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the condition, recommend appropriate treatment, and determine whether surgery may be needed. If you have pain in the inner side of the foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Kokomo 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)
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 Contact Us. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
Heel pain is one of the most frequent complaints in young soccer players, often linked to the growth plate in the heel bone. This area, called the calcaneal apophysis, is soft and more vulnerable to stress during growth. When leg bones lengthen faster than the heel bone, extra tension develops, sometimes leading to inflammation known as calcaneal apophysitis, or Sever’s disease. Symptoms usually include throbbing or aching pain at the back of the heel, which may worsen with running, jumping, or wearing certain cleated shoes. Turf cleats generally provide better cushioning and reduce strain compared to grass cleats, which can put extra stress on the heel. A podiatrist can evaluate the cause of heel pain, recommend proper footwear, and provide treatment options that allow young athletes to remain active safely. If your child exhibits signs of heel pain after sports activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.
Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Kokomo Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.
Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.
Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.
Symptoms
Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.
Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Contact Us. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
