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

Recently singer Chely Wright has been recovering from surgery on various foot problems including what podiatrists call Morton’s neuroma.  Morton’s neuroma refers to a swelling or thickening along the nerve between the third and fourth toes.  Morton’s neuroma can be a very painful condition but may also be associated with feelings of tingling and numbness.  Often this pain is localized to the area around the ball of the foot.  At first the pain may be periodic or only with activities that irritate the foot and place pressure on the ball of the foot such as running and jumping.  The pain may also occur when wearing shoes that constrict the toes.  The pain may increase in frequency and magnitude with time.

An exact cause of Morton’s neuroma has not been identified; however, certain risk factors have been.  One of the risk factors for Morton’s neuroma is wearing shoes that are very narrow in the toe box as well as high heels that tend to place pressure on the toes.  People with certain foot conditions are also shown to have a higher chance of having Morton’s neuroma including those with bunions, flat feet, and hammerdigits.   Foot injuries can also lead to an increased chance of Morton’s neuroma.

A Morton’s neuroma can be treated in a variety of ways, often depending on the extent of pain.  For less severe cases of Morton’s neuroma treatment can include a change in shoe wear with a wider toe box or lower heel and possibly padding or orthotics to reduce the pressure placed on the nerve.   Anti-inflammatory drugs may also help reduce pain.  In more severe cases, corticosteroid or alcohol shots may be added to alleviate the pain.  If these attempts are not successful, surgery is an option. 

If you are suffering from pain associated with Morton’s neuroma, schedule an appointment with Atlantic Foot and Ankle Associates to find out which treatment option works best for you.  Atlantic Foot and Ankle has four convenient office locations in Palm Coast, Daytona Beach, Port Orange, and Orange City, Florida.  Ditch those Kim Kardashian heels and let us help you find comfort for your feet!

By, Dr. Sona Ramdath