Wearing high heels can dramatically change the way a person walks by shifting the body’s weight forward and placing extra pressure on the front of the foot. This altered gait can lead to shorter steps and reduced balance, increasing the risk of stumbling or falling. In the short term, high heels often cause blisters, corns, and pain due to pressure and friction. The risk of ankle sprains also rises as the elevated heel makes the ankle less stable on uneven surfaces. Over time, consistent use of high heels may lead to the shortening of the Achilles tendon, which can result in stiffness or pain even when not wearing heels. Additionally, long-term wear can also affect posture and spine alignment, contributing to discomfort and musculoskeletal strain throughout the body. If you have foot pain from wearing high heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on suitable heel choices.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Desiree Garzon, DPM from County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. 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 offices located in Boynton Beach, and Wellington, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a type of arthritis that can occur suddenly, often at night, causing severe pain and swelling in the affected joint. It happens when uric acid builds up in the bloodstream, forming crystals that deposit in joints, particularly in the big toe. This can result from consuming too many purine-rich foods like red meat, shellfish, and alcohol, or due to kidney issues that prevent uric acid from being excreted properly. Symptoms include intense joint pain, swelling, redness, and warmth, which can feel like a throbbing or burning sensation. The pain may be so severe that even the weight of a blanket can be unbearable. Gout attacks can last for days and may recur, if left untreated. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing gout through a physical exam, blood tests, or joint fluid analysis. They may recommend lifestyle changes, medications, or specific treatments to relieve pain and prevent future attacks. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate care.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Desiree Garzon, DPM from County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Boynton Beach, and Wellington, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Arch pain can affect people of all activity levels. The arch of the foot supports body weight, absorbs impact, and helps stabilize movement. Pain in this area may be linked to plantar fasciitis, the most common cause, where the ligament connecting the heel to the toes becomes inflamed from overuse or strain. Another cause of arch pain is posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, which occurs when the tendon that supports the arch weakens or becomes injured. Cavus foot, a condition involving unusually high arches, may lead to instability and pressure-related discomfort. Overpronation, where the foot rolls inward excessively while walking, can also place undue stress on the arch and nearby joints. Risk factors such as weight gain, aging, and repetitive stress on the feet may contribute to these conditions. Arch pain is sometimes felt in the heel, ball of the foot, or ankle, and may worsen during or after standing or walking. If you have pain in the arch of your 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 Desiree Garzon, DPM from County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. Our doctor 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)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

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 offices located in Boynton Beach, and Wellington, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.