Items filtered by date: December 2023

Many people love wearing stilettos but certainly not the pain that comes with them. The repercussions of wearing high heels extend beyond aching feet. According to experts, consistently wearing the wrong type of heels can take a toll on your feet, ankles, knees, and back. The pressure on the forefoot intensifies as you elevate the heel, leading to metatarsalgia, a painful joint condition in the ball of the foot. Chronic metatarsalgia can result in stress fractures. Research indicates  that reducing heel height can significantly alleviate foot pressure. While three inch heels place 76 percent of the weight on the forefoot, opting for two inch heels decreases it to 57 percent, and one inch heels further reduce it to 22 percent. The Achilles tendon, vital for foot movement, faces strain as wearing high heels may cause excessive shortening. This stress can extend to the plantar fascia, resulting in plantar fasciitis, a painful condition that affects the heel and arch. In addition, studies show that initial ankle muscle strengthening from wearing heels regularly diminishes over time, leaving women susceptible to the risk of falls and ankle sprains. For help with managing foot and ankle problems caused by wearing high heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment 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 James P. Huish, DPM from Arizona. 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 Safford, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Bunions, characterized by bony protrusions at the base of the big toe, result from various factors like genetics, wearing tight shoes, and poor foot mechanics. They can cause discomfort and pain. Treatment for bunions typically involves wearing roomy, supportive footwear, or using orthotic inserts to improve foot alignment. Additionally, it may be beneficial to apply padding and taping for pain relief and engage in helpful exercises. For severe bunions, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct the deformity. If you are suffering from a painful bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for suitable treatment based on the severity of your condition.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact James P. Huish, DPM of Arizona. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

Arthritis, a condition commonly associated with joints like the knees, hips, and hands, can also affect the toes, causing pain, swelling, and difficulty in movement. Toe arthritis primarily targets the big toe, but other toes can be affected as well. This condition arises from the wear and tear of toe joint cartilage and inflammation. Symptoms include persistent toe pain, swelling, and inflammation, often accompanied by redness in cases of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, may lead to bone spur formation, further restricting movement. Other symptoms of toe arthritis include limited range of motion, difficulty and pain in bending the big toe, permanent downward bending of the toe. Increased pain during weight-bearing activities, and deformities like hammer toe, are other factors. If you suffer with toe pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podatrist to see if arthritis is the culprit and get treatment that will relieve discomfort.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact James P. Huish, DPM from Arizona. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Safford, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A podiatrist, a medical professional specializing in the care and treatment of the feet, ankles, and lower extremities, plays a pivotal role in maintaining overall foot health. Trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent a spectrum of foot-related conditions, podiatrists undergo extensive education, focusing on the intricacies of the musculoskeletal system below the knee. From common issues like ingrown toenails and plantar fasciitis to complex conditions, such as foot deformities and diabetic foot complications, podiatrists provide comprehensive care. They offer a range of treatments, including medication, orthotics, and in some cases, surgical intervention. Beyond addressing acute concerns, podiatrists emphasize preventive care, offering guidance on proper footwear, gait analysis, and lifestyle adjustments to promote optimal foot health. Given the intricate interplay between foot health and overall well-being, consulting a podiatrist ensures specialized care for your feet. If you are interested in pursuing a career in podiatry, it is suggested that you speak to this type of healthcare professional who can address any questions you may have.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact James P. Huish, DPM from Arizona. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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