High heels may look stylish, but they can take a toll on women’s feet and ankles. Wearing them shifts body weight forward, putting extra pressure on the toes and ball of the foot. This can lead to problems like bunions, ankle sprains from twisting, and even joint issues over time like osteoarthritis. High heels can also affect how the feet and ankles move, altering one's walking pattern, posture, and balance. These changes may extend to the knees and hips, causing pain and stiffness. Long-term wear increases the risk of musculoskeletal pain and balance issues, especially in uneven or slippery conditions. Limiting heel height, choosing supportive designs, and giving your feet regular breaks can help. If you experience ongoing pain or foot problems from wearing high heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for expert advice and treatment.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Richard DiBacco, DPM from Podiatry Associates of Erie, Inc.. 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 one of our offices located in Erie and Meadville, PA, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that typically affects the skin between the toes but can spread to other areas of the body. There are different types of athlete’s foot infections, including interdigital, meaning between the toes, moccasin, which affects the soles and sides of the feet, or vesicular, which is characterized by fluid-filled blisters. Common symptoms include itching, burning, redness, cracked skin, and peeling. The main cause of athlete’s foot is exposure to the fungus tinea pedis, often found in warm, damp environments like locker rooms, public showers, or wet socks and shoes. Poor foot hygiene and weakened immune systems can increase the risk. Treatment typically includes antifungal creams, powders, or oral medications. In some cases, if the infection is severe or persistent, a podiatrist may recommend a more tailored treatment plan. A podiatrist can also help with prevention strategies to reduce the risk of recurrence. If you are struggling with athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for relief and expert care.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Richard DiBacco, DPM from Podiatry Associates of Erie, Inc..  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Erie and Meadville, PA, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Heel pain is a complex issue that can disrupt daily activities and exercise routines. Three prevalent causes include plantar fasciitis, bone spurs, and Sever’s disease. Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot, typically causing pain near the heel. Bone spurs are bony growths that develop on the heel, often resulting from prolonged stress on the foot and sometimes causing sharp pain. Sever's disease, most common in children and adolescents, is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel, resulting from repetitive stress during periods of rapid growth. If you suffer from persistent heel pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can properly diagnose heel pain and create a tailored treatment plan, which may include targeted exercises and orthotic support to alleviate pain and support healing.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Richard DiBacco, DPM of Podiatry Associates of Erie, Inc.. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Erie and Meadville, PA, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.