Wearing high heels can enhance the look of your legs and ankles, but may not be helping the health of your feet. However, though experts agree that while most bunions form because of a genetic disposition to this deformity, wearing high heels can make the problem worse if you are already susceptible. Also, it is thought that having a bunion is more of a matter of your gait, or how you walk, than the type of shoes you wear. But because wearing high heels forces the weight of the body toward the ball of the foot, they may add to the likelihood of a bunion formation. A bunion is a deformity that pushes the bone outward at the base of the big toe joint causing a lump to develop on the side of the foot. The other toes react by moving in the opposite direction. High heels, which often have a small and pointed toe box, essentially encourage this movement. If you often wear high heels and notice a bunion forming, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer treatment options.

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 and ankle needs.

Neuropathy is nerve damage. It is a common condition among diabetic patients, which can happen as a result of elevated glucose levels in the blood. Recent studies have shown that about 60 percent of neuropathy cases in the United States are linked to diabetes. The feet are often affected, and the inability to feel existing cuts and scrapes may lead to developing a foot ulcer. The symptoms that often accompany this condition can include a numbing or tingling sensation, and the muscles can feel weak. Developing neuropathy may also be connected to chronic alcoholism, HIV, or AIDS, and there are cancer patients that may have this condition. A deficiency of vitamins B12 or A may cause neuropathy to occur, in addition to eating foods that have toxins. A diagnosis is generally needed to confirm this condition, which consists of having a blood test taken or possibly a skin biopsy performed. If you have numbness in your feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can properly diagnose and treat neuropathy.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with David Mansky, DPM from Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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.

Foot massages are a popular form of foot therapy. They are effective in relieving stress and aches and pains. They can also help to increase overall well-being. There are several types of foot massages people can enjoy. Reflexology is a technique that uses pressure points that connect to specific areas of the body. A Swedish foot massage is considered the most relaxing type of massage, and can be effective in soothing tired feet at the end of the day. A deep-tissue foot massage applies intense pressure in certain areas of the foot, and it can help reduce injuries that are muscle related. Relaxation can be found when a hot stone foot massage is performed. The masseuses' hands are replaced by using hot stones that can soothe tired muscles. If you would like additional information about foot massages, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with the knowledge you are seeking.

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with David Mansky, DPM from Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Most Common Injuries

People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track. 

What to Do When Injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:

Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.

Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.

Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

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

New mothers often want to ensure that they are doing everything they possibly can to take care of their own health and the health of their new baby. One question that pregnant women sometimes ask medical professionals, such as podiatrists, is what kind of socks they should be wearing while they carry their baby to term. Importantly, it is helpful to note that the answer might depend on each individual patient’s needs. However, generally speaking, wearing compression socks might be helpful for some pregnant women. The reason for this is that they can help in reducing swelling in the feet and lower legs, a common symptom of pregnancy. By wearing compression socks, a pregnant woman may also be able to avoid blood clots, another issue that may arise during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or are planning to be, it is recommended that you contact a podiatrist for advice on how to protect your feet during pregnancy. 

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with David Mansky, DPM from Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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 and ankle needs.