High heels change more than a person's height. They shift body weight toward the front of the foot, increasing pressure beneath the toes and the ball of the foot. This position also changes the way the feet move while walking and requires adjustments in posture. Although high heels may offer a preferred appearance and a boost in confidence, these benefits do not protect against foot problems. The height and shape of the heel matter, along with how well the shoe fits and how long it is worn.

A narrow toe box squeezes the toes together, aggravating bunions and contributing to bent toes called hammertoes. Repeated friction also encourages corns and calluses, which are areas of thickened skin. Pressure beneath the forefoot sometimes irritates nerves, causing burning or numbness that spreads into the toes. A high-heeled shoe keeps the calf muscles and Achilles tendon in a shortened position. Frequent use may contribute to tightness that makes flatter shoes uncomfortable. Thin or spiked heels provide a smaller base of support. This increases ankle instability, the risk of injury, and a loss of balance. As a result, the chance of falling, spraining an ankle, or breaking a bone increases.

A podiatrist evaluates painful areas and checks foot alignment, joint movement, and walking patterns. This assessment helps determine whether symptoms come from pressure or an underlying condition aggravated by the shoes. Treatment includes recommendations for shoe fit and podiatric care for painful corns or calluses. The podiatrist may prescribe cushioning or custom shoe inserts made specifically for high heels. Recommendations for a wider toe box, a lower heel, and a thicker heel address pressure and stability. Persistent pain sometimes requires digital imaging to identify bone or joint problems and guide further treatment. If you have foot pain after wearing high heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief tips. 

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Services . Our doctors 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 Murrieta, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Your feet do more than carry the weight of your body. They help you balance, push forward, and change direction. Stretching the feet supports the flexibility needed for these movements. The big toe plays an especially important role because it helps propel the body forward when walking or running. When the big toe cannot bend freely, other areas may face extra stress. Foot strength matters, too. Research suggests that stronger toes may help athletes accelerate and change direction more effectively. Both flexibility and strength support healthy foot function. Maintaining comfortable movement in the feet is important for everyday activities and athletic performance.

Foot flexibility affects movement. The arch supports your weight, while the heel and toes help control each step. Tightness beneath the foot or around the calf can limit comfortable movement. A podiatrist can assess these areas and identify restrictions. A professional stretching plan might focus on improving big-toe motion, easing tight calf muscles, and increasing flexibility along the sole. A podiatrist can also assess foot strength and recommend supervised exercises. For athletes, these improvements may support running, jumping, and quick changes in direction. Results vary. Proper foot movement also helps the body manage pressure when the feet contact the ground.

Not every painful or stiff foot needs the same approach. Stretching too aggressively can increase pain when tissues are irritated or injured. A podiatrist can examine how your feet move and determine whether limited flexibility, muscle weakness, or joint problems contribute to symptoms. Treatment can include guided stretching, targeted strengthening, and recommendations for shoes with proper support. The goal is to improve movement safely. People who notice ongoing arch discomfort or stiffness in the big toe should seek an evaluation. If you have pain or stiffness in the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Services . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

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

Foot wounds can become serious when they do not move through the normal healing process. A wound that fails to heal properly over time is considered a chronic wound. Several types can affect the lower legs and feet, including diabetic, arterial, and pressure ulcers. Diabetic foot ulcers often develop because nerve damage can reduce the ability to feel pain or repeated injury. Poor circulation can further interfere with healing. Chronic wounds require careful evaluation because their cause influences the type of treatment that may be needed.

Evaluating a non-healing foot wound involves more than examining the injured skin. Medical professionals consider the wound’s location, size, and depth. They may also evaluate drainage and the type of tissue within the wound. Blood flow is especially important because poor circulation can prevent damaged tissue from healing normally. Diabetic foot ulcers commonly develop on the toes or the bottom of the forefoot and may be surrounded by thick callused skin. Some wounds can extend into deeper tissues. Imaging may be needed when there is concern that an infection has reached the bone.

A podiatrist can evaluate a foot wound, identify factors interfering with healing, and determine an appropriate wound-care plan. Treatment depends on the type of wound and its underlying cause. Professional care may involve removing dead tissue, controlling infection, and selecting appropriate dressings. For diabetic foot ulcers, reducing pressure on the affected area is also an important part of treatment. A podiatrist can also evaluate circulation and nerve function to identify problems that may affect healing. Certain wounds may require coordinated treatment with vascular or other medical specialists. Early professional attention is important because chronic foot wounds can lead to deeper infection and other serious complications. If you have a foot wound that is not healing normally or continues to worsen, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate wound-care treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Services . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Flat feet occur when the arches are low or touch the ground while standing. Some people have flat arches from childhood and never develop symptoms. Others develop flatter feet because the tissues that support the arch weaken. The posterior tibial tendon runs along the inside of the ankle and helps hold up the arch. Arthritis, loose ligaments, or repeated strain can also change the foot's shape. Flat feet can affect one foot or both feet, and the degree of flattening varies between patients.

Symptoms include aching in the arch, heel, or inside of the ankle. Swelling can develop near the inner ankle when the posterior tibial tendon is irritated. Some patients notice tired feet, reduced balance, or difficulty standing for long periods of time. These changes can place added pressure on joints and soft tissues. Pain can worsen when walking, running, or climbing stairs. Shoes that lack proper support can increase discomfort. A sudden change in arch shape, weakness, or trouble rising onto the toes can indicate a need for medical attention.

A podiatrist can determine whether flat feet are flexible or stiff and identify the source of pain. The evaluation includes checking foot alignment, joint movement, and tendon strength. Weight-bearing X-rays can reveal changes in bone position or arthritis. Other imaging tests can provide a closer view of damaged tendons or ligaments. Treatment is based on the patient's symptoms and the extent of the changes. A podiatrist can recommend fitted shoes, custom orthotics, or a brace. A walking boot may protect an irritated tendon in painful cases. Early evaluation can help reduce strain and protect the foot from further changes. If you have foot pain related to flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Services . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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