Items filtered by date: May 2024

High heels, while often a fashionable choice, can lead to a variety of foot problems and discomfort. Prolonged wearing of high heels forces the feet into an unnatural position, which can cause deformities such as hammertoes and bunions. These shoes also increase the risk of developing neuromas, which are painful nerve growths often felt between the toes. Beyond the feet, high heels can place excessive stress on the back and lower extremities due to the altered distribution of body weight. This shift not only affects posture but also disrupts the natural gait and balance, leading to potential injuries and chronic pain in the legs and spine. To mitigate these issues, it is advisable to limit the time spent in high heels, choose shoes with a lower heel height and more supportive structure, and alternate with more comfortable footwear. Stretching exercises and proper foot care can also alleviate symptoms. If you have persistent pain or deformities from wearing high heels, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist for professional advice and treatment options.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact James Tyler Vestile, DPM from Foot and Ankle Centers of Indiana. 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 Tipton, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Swollen ankles can arise from various factors, ranging from genetics to underlying health conditions. It is important to delve deeper into the potential causes of swollen ankles, because they can signal serious underlying health issues. For instance, obesity, diabetes, infections, and venous insufficiency can lead to fluid retention in the ankles, which makes them become swollen. Other serious conditions that can result in swelling in the ankles include congestive heart failure, deep vein thrombosis, and liver or kidney problems. Pregnancy, medications, insect bites, and sprains can also cause the ankle to swell. Prolonged standing or consuming excess salt are other other factors. Depending on the underlying cause, interventions may include lifestyle modifications, medications, or targeted therapies. If you have noticed that your ankles are swelling abnormally, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with James Tyler Vestile, DPM from Foot and Ankle Centers of Indiana. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

Distance running, a popular form of exercise and competition, can place significant stress on the feet and ankles, leading to various injuries. One common reason is overuse, as the repetitive pounding of the feet against hard surfaces can strain muscles, tendons, and ligaments over time. Improper footwear or worn-out running shoes lacking adequate support or cushioning can increase the risk of injury. Additionally, biomechanical factors, such as overpronation or supination, where the foot rolls inward or outward excessively during the running gait, can contribute to instability and strain on the ankles. Running on uneven terrain or hard surfaces without proper shock absorption can also heighten the risk of foot and ankle injuries. Furthermore, sudden increases in training volume or intensity without proper conditioning and recovery can overload the lower extremities, predisposing runners to injuries. Foot and ankle injuries are common in people who enjoy running. If this applies to you, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer correct treatment methods, in addition to effective injury prevention techniques.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact James Tyler Vestile, DPM of Foot and Ankle Centers of Indiana. Our doctor 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 Tipton, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Arthritis affecting the feet requires diligent attention to maintain overall health and mobility. Foot care for arthritic individuals involves regular inspection for inflammation, keeping feet clean and dry, and wearing supportive footwear with custom orthotic inserts. Management of inflammation and pain through medication and therapy is important to prevent long-term complications like joint deformities and reduced mobility. Particular focus should be given to maintaining foot health to prevent secondary issues. If you have arthritis that is negatively impacting the comfort of your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a personalized treatment plan, which may include prescribing orthotics and offering guidance on foot care techniques.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact James Tyler Vestile, DPM from Foot and Ankle Centers of Indiana. 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 Tipton, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.