Although Adele won six Grammy Awards, celebrity fashion on the Red Carpet is still a hot topic in the news.  A key feature of fashion is of course shoes, particularly high heels.  High heels, as fashionable as they are, often contribute to many foot pathologies. 

Wearing high heels which often have a narrow toe box can encourage the formation of a bunion, a swelling at the big toe joint.  Bunions may not be aesthetically pleasing and may also cause pain and difficulty in finding appropriately fitting shoewear.   To avoid the formation of bunions, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) recommends not wearing shoes with heels taller than 2 inches.  However, of course high heels are not the sole cause of bunions, genetics and biomechanics are also contributing factors.

High heels may also exacerbate the symptoms of a neuroma, a benign nerve tumor that often brings feelings of pain, numbness, or tingling.  The APMA again recommends shoes with heels no higher than 2 inches due to the stress placed on the forefoot where the neuroma is often located.

Wearing high heels constantly may also shorten the Achilles tendon which may lead to pain and tendonitis.  High heels may also alter the direction and pull of the Achilles tendon causing a deformity known as the “pump bump” (Haglund’s deformity) which may become painful.

Last but not least, high heels are infamous for the foot pain associated with them.  With the heel lifted, more pressure and body weight is placed on the ball of the foot.  This can change the position of the foot during gait (or movement).

Certain steps may be taken to prevent serious complications from high heels.  At Atlantic Foot and Ankle Associates, we recommend that you limit the amount of time wearing heels.  When wearing heels, chose a pair with a wider toe box and a smaller heel.  Also, stretch your calves to avoid any complications with your Achilles tendon.

If you’ve suffered from the pain that wearing high heels cause, come in and see us at Atlantic Foot and Ankle Associates.  We have four offices conveniently located in Palm Coast, Daytona Beach, Port Orange, and Orange City, Florida.  You don’t need to suffer any longer!

By Dr. Dennis McBroom

The world’s former #1 golfer, Tiger Woods has recently missed approximately 1 year to a left leg and heel injury. The extent and severity of his ailment, much like many of our patients, can lead to long periods of pain and inactivity, as well as lifestyle changes.

It is estimated that Achilles tendonitis accounts for 11% of all running injuries. The Achilles tendon is the large tendon at the back of the ankle. It connects the large calf muscles (Gastrocnemius and Soleus) to the heel bone (Calcaneus) and provides the power in the push off phase of the gait cycle (walking and running).

Achilles tendonitis can be either acute, following an increase in training, or chronic which occurs over a longer period of time. In addition to being either chronic or acute, the condition can also be either at the attachment point to the heel or in the mid-portion of the tendon (typically around 4cm above the heel). Healing of the achilles tendon is often slow, due to its poor blood supply at certain areas of the tendon.

At Atlantic Podiatry Associates, we try to treat this injury as conservatively as possible. Initially, simple rest, ice, an anti-inflammatory, strapping or orthotics are used to take stress off the tendon. We make sure you have the right running or walking shoes for style or aggressiveness of activity.

If the tendon and injury progresses, cast or boot immobilization, and MRI’s are commonly employed to grade the extent of the damage. In cases of tears or ruptures, our physicians feel comfortable in fixing the problem surgically, coordinating rehabilitation, and getting the tendon back to normal strength.

Don’t let your Achilles heel drag you down like Tiger. Atlantic Podiatry Associates in Port Orange and Orange City, FL, have treatments and solutions to get you back on the playing field, with a path to keep the problem from coming back. 

By Dr. Matthew Hentzel