Items filtered by date: January 2024

Choosing the right high heel height is a delicate balance between fashion and comfort, with implications for both style and foot health. While personal preferences play a role, experts recommend considering a heel height that is one to two inches. This range provides a stylish lift without subjecting the feet to excessive pressure or discomfort. Lower heels distribute weight more evenly, reducing strain on the balls of the feet and minimizing the risk of conditions such as bunions or metatarsalgia. Additionally, a modest heel height promotes a more natural posture, preventing issues like lower back pain and Achilles tendon strain. Ultimately, the optimal high heel height is one that allows you to walk with grace and confidence while prioritizing the well-being of your feet. By striking this balance, you can effortlessly blend style with comfort, ensuring your footwear choices enhance both your fashion statement and overall foot health. If you are interested in seeking additional information about how wearing high heels affect your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Jennifer Swan, DPM from Right Step Foot Care. 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 Westerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Poor foot circulation can be attributed to various factors that compromise the efficient flow of blood to the lower extremities. One significant contributor is sedentary lifestyle habits, where prolonged periods of sitting or standing impede blood circulation. Obesity, another common factor, places additional stress on the circulatory system, hindering optimal blood flow to the feet. Smoking, notorious for its adverse impact on vascular health, narrows blood vessels and exacerbates circulation issues. Medical conditions, such as diabetes and peripheral artery disease, or PAD, are also primary culprits, causing damage to blood vessels and restricting blood supply to the feet. Moreover, age-related changes in blood vessels can contribute to diminished circulation. Implementing lifestyle changes, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying physically active, are vital steps towards enhancing blood flow to the feet and promoting overall foot health. If you are afflicted with poor blood circulation and it is affecting your feet, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Jennifer Swan, DPM of Right Step Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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

Newborns are a marvel of nature, but they can also exhibit a range of physical characteristics, including some common foot deformities. One of the most frequently encountered conditions is metatarsus adductus, where a baby's feet curve inward. This condition often corrects itself over time, but in severe cases, medical intervention may be required. Another common newborn foot deformity is congenital vertical talus, characterized by an upward bending of the foot's arch. This condition typically necessitates early treatment to ensure proper foot development. Clubfoot is another condition where the baby's feet point inward and downward, making it challenging for the child to walk. Fortunately, early intervention with casting and corrective footwear can help normalize the foot position. Understanding these common newborn foot deformities is essential, as early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in a child's long-term foot health and overall well-being. Podiatrists play a vital role in addressing these issues and guiding parents through the necessary steps for proper management and treatment. If your child has a congenital foot deformity, it is strongly suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can begin the correct treatment method.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Jennifer Swan, DPM of Right Step Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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

Hammertoe, a podiatric condition characterized by an abnormal bending of the toes, primarily affects the second, third, or fourth toe joints, causing them to resemble a hammer. This deformity is often a result of an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that hold the toe straight. One common cause is wearing shoes that force the toes into a bent position, hindering the natural alignment. Individuals with a second toe longer than the big toe, flat feet, or a family history of hammertoe are more prone to developing this condition. Women, particularly those who frequently wear high heels or narrow shoes, face an increased risk. Additionally, individuals with arthritis or conditions causing muscle and ligament imbalances may find themselves susceptible to hammertoe. If you have developed hammertoe, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer treatment options for this condition.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Jennifer Swan, DPM from Right Step Foot Care. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Westerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout, a form of arthritis caused by excess uric acid in the bloodstream and often causing pain in the big toe joint, necessitates a dietary approach that carefully selects foods to manage symptoms. Opting for low-purine choices is key, as purines metabolize into uric acid. Fruits such as cherries, berries, and citrus fruits boast anti-inflammatory properties, aiding in gout management. Vegetables like kale, cabbage, and bell peppers are low in purines and rich in vitamins. Whole grains, including brown rice and quinoa, serve as nutritious alternatives to refined grains. Proteins from low-purine sources, such as tofu, legumes, and low-fat dairy, offer essential nutrients without exacerbating uric acid levels. Hydration is vital, and ample water intake helps to flush out excess uric acid. Limiting alcohol consumption, particularly beer and spirits is advisable. If you have been afflicted with gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this painful condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Jennifer Swan, DPM from Right Step Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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