Wearing high heels can create daily hazards by increasing the risk of tripping and falling due to reduced stability and altered balance. They can be painful by placing excess pressure on the forefoot, tightening the Achilles tendon, and limiting natural foot motion. Over time, this strain may lead to foot conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, and neuromas, in addition to plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, and stress injuries. Pain may also extend to the knees, hips, and lower back. A podiatrist can help by evaluating foot mechanics, treating existing conditions, recommending supportive footwear options, and providing custom orthotics or preventive care plans. If high heels are affecting your comfort or mobility, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle conditions, and guide you on the correct type of shoes to wear. 

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact David Mansky, DPM from Mansky Podiatry. 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 Hastings, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that most often affects a nerve between the third and fourth toes, and it develops from repeated pressure or irritation. It may not always be visible, but the area can appear slightly swollen, and patients often describe a burning, tingling, or stabbing sensation and feeling like they are walking on a pebble. Causes include tight footwear, high heels, foot deformities, or activities that place stress on the forefoot. Symptoms may worsen with standing or walking and ease when shoes are removed. A podiatrist begins with a thorough exam and orders imaging if needed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other problems. Treatment may include footwear changes, custom orthotics to reduce pressure, and targeted therapies, such as injections or exercises. Early care can prevent progression and improve comfort. If you suspect you have Morton’s neuroma, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact David Mansky, DPM of Mansky Podiatry. 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 Hastings, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a nail grows into the surrounding skin instead of over it, most commonly affecting the big toe. The toe may look red, swollen, or shiny, and in more advanced cases there may be drainage, infection, or excess skin along the nail border. It often feels tender at first, then progresses to sharp pain, throbbing, warmth, and discomfort when walking or wearing shoes. Causes include improper nail trimming, tight or narrow footwear, toe injuries, and genetic factors. A podiatrist can help from the start by diagnosing the condition and determining whether infection or other complications are present. Initial treatment may include relieving pressure, reducing inflammation, and proper nail care. If necessary, care can then move to in-office procedures to remove the ingrown portion of the nail, along with education to prevent recurrence. Prompt care helps restore comfort and foot health. If you have a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact David Mansky, DPM of Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

As people age, gradual changes in foot structure can lead to discomfort and reduced mobility in the feet and ankles. Loss of natural padding on the soles, joint stiffness, reduced muscle strength, and flattening of the arches can place added stress on bones and soft tissue. Problems that develop over time include arthritis in the many joints of the feet, bunions that shift toe alignment, and hammertoes. Corns, calluses, fungal nail problems, heel pain, and acquired flatfoot caused by weakened tendons may also arise. These issues can affect balance and walking patterns, increasing strain on the feet during daily activity as well as the risk of falls. A podiatrist can evaluate changes in alignment, joint motion, skin health, and circulation. This foot doctor may then recommend appropriate treatment or surgery, when needed, to address long-term problems and protect foot function. If you are an older adult experiencing foot problems, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and options for advanced treatment.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact David Mansky, DPM from Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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