When specific types of high heels are worn, they may give the legs and feet the illusion of looking leaner and elegant, despite the possible foot problems that may develop. These problems can include the formation of bunions, hammertoe, and ingrown toenails. It is important that high heels fit properly, and the shoe size may need to increase if weight is gained. Research has indicated that feet may feel more comfortable when high heels are made with thicker heels. This is helpful in providing the balance that is needed to perform daily activities, in addition to providing a more even distribution of body weight. Many patients choose to wear insoles, which may prevent foot pain. If more information is needed about the types of high heels to purchase, it is strongly suggested that you speak to a podiatrist, who can address any concerns you may have.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Carrie Frame, DPM from West Virginia Foot & Ankle. 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 Charleston, WV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are numerous nerves that are located in each foot. Morton’s neuroma can occur when a nerve in the ball of the foot becomes swollen, and may gradually become inflamed. Common symptoms that many patients experience can include a sharp or burning pain that is often felt between the third and fourth toes. It can be caused by wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely. It is beneficial to refrain from activities that put pressure on the toes, and the affected foot may feel better when it is massaged and frequently elevated. If you have this condition, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Carrie Frame, DPM of West Virginia Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

The majority of broken toes can heal by staying off of the foot. If the fracture is severe, the toe may need to be stabilized as the healing process occurs. This can be accomplished by using a method that is called buddy taping, which is done by taping the affected toe to the toe next to it. Broken toes can cause severe pain and discomfort, and generally happens if a heavy object is dropped on it. Some patients stub their toe against a piece of furniture, and this can cause the toe to break. It is beneficial to limit walking as much as possible. Additionally, it can help to wear shoes that are large enough to accommodate the broken toe. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible to determine the best course of treatment.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Carrie Frame, DPM from West Virginia Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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

A biomechanical assessment of the foot and ankle is a valuable way to understand how movement patterns may contribute to discomfort or injury. During this evaluation, a podiatrist studies how the joints and muscles work together while walking or standing. The structure of the arch, alignment of the heel, and flexibility of the ankle are carefully observed. Sometimes uneven weight distribution or muscle imbalances place extra stress on certain areas, leading to pain or reduced mobility. This type of assessment can help uncover underlying causes of conditions such as heel pain, shin splints, or recurrent ankle sprains. Once the source is identified, personalized treatment options such as orthotics, targeted exercises, or footwear recommendations can be provided. If you are experiencing ongoing foot or ankle concerns, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a thorough biomechanical evaluation.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Carrie Frame, DPM from West Virginia Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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