December 2023

In the realm of women's fashion, high heels often take center stage. However, this type of shoe can lead to a number of potential foot, toe, and ankle problems. For instance, the classic pump can be a double-edged sword for fashion enthusiasts. The rigid material and elevated height may contribute to the development of a painful knot on the back of the heel, commonly referred to as a pump bump. This not only causes discomfort but can also lead to blisters, swelling, bursitis, and persistent Achilles tendon pain. Ultra-high heels force the feet into a position that places excessive stress on the ball of the foot. This heightened pressure can result in inflammation of the metatarsal and sesamoid bones, as well as the toe bones, potentially leading to hairline fractures. Many high heel shoes have a narrow toe box that can lead to toe problems, like bunions and hammertoe. The risk of ankle sprains is common for those wearing high heels, as the concentration of weight on a small area increases the chances of wobbling and tripping. Prioritizing both style and foot health is not only a wise choice but a necessary one. If you have incurred a foot problem or injury caused by frequently wearing high heels, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide appropriate treatment.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact the practitioners from Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners 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 Windsor, ON . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout, a form of arthritis, is characterized by the accumulation of urate crystals in joints, leading to inflammation and intense pain. The onset of gout is marked by sudden and severe joint pain, commonly affecting the big toe. As the condition progresses, these painful episodes may recur, spreading to other joints such as ankles, knees, and wrists. Gout evolves through distinct stages. In the asymptomatic hyperuricemia stage, elevated uric acid levels exist without noticeable symptoms. The acute gouty arthritis stage follows, presenting with sudden and excruciating joint pain. Without proper management, the inter-critical gout stage ensues, marked by symptom-free intervals between painful episodes. In advanced cases, chronic tophaceous gout manifests, characterized by the formation of tophi, which are visible lumps of urate crystals that form in joints and surrounding tissues. Understanding the stages of gout is essential for effective management, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle changes and medical interventions to alleviate symptoms and prevent long-term joint damage. If you are afflicted with gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you with pain management strategies.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact the practitioners from Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

Sever's disease, is a common cause of heel pain in growing children and adolescents, and particularly affects those between eight and 14 years old. It arises from inflammation of the growth plate in the heel, often linked to periods of rapid growth when the heel bone grows faster than the surrounding muscles and tendons, causing tension and stress. The primary risk factors include active participation in sports, especially those involving running and jumping, which increase stress on the heel. Overuse and repetitive strain from athletic activities can exacerbate the condition. Additionally, children with flat feet or high arches, those who are overweight or obese, and children who have a tight Achilles tendon are more susceptible to developing Sever's disease. Wearing shoes with poor cushioning or support can also contribute to the risk of developing Sever’s disease. If your child is complaining of heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough evaluation and treatment.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see the practitioners from Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners 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 Windsor, ON . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Engaging in high-impact sports can be exhilarating, but it is also essential to recognize their potential consequences on the feet. The repetitive stress and force associated with activities such as running, basketball, or soccer can lead to various foot-related issues. The constant pounding on hard surfaces can contribute to stress fractures, impacting the bones in the feet. Additionally, the intense footwork involved in high-impact sports may lead to conditions like plantar fasciitis, where the connective tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed. Ankle sprains are another common occurrence, as sudden stops or changes in direction can sprain the ligaments. The pressure exerted during high impact activities can also contribute to the development of bunions, calluses, and neuromas. Wearing proper footwear, regular stretching, and attentive foot care are vital for athletes participating in high-impact sports, allowing them to enjoy the thrill of these activities while minimizing the risk of enduring long-lasting foot repercussions. If you are interested in learning more about how high-impact activities can affect the feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you additional information on foot protection.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact the practitioners of Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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