If you love high heels, you should be aware that wearing them regularly can take a toll on your feet and may lead to conditions like hammertoes, corns, bunions, Morton’s neuroma, plantar fasciitis, Haglund's deformity (pump bump), and more. While it may be difficult to completely kick the high heel habit, you can lessen their impact and help protect your feet. Take the heels off whenever you can throughout the day and stretch your feet. Alternate heels with flats every other day. Choose shoes that are well made and comfortable with a padded sole. Instead of slip-on, or open back high heels, wear shoes that cover more of your foot and cradle them more securely. Make sure they fit properly both in length and width. Heels that are lower are better, as are wider heels which help distribute weight more evenly. Additionally, a podiatrist may provide custom orthotics to help alleviate pressure points and provide cushion and support where it is needed. A podiatrist may also help you prevent a developing foot condition from worsening, or treat one that has already occurred.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of the podiatrists from Ark La Tex Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 offices located in Shreveport and Bossier City, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The cuboid bone is one of seven tarsal bones that is found in each foot. Cuboid syndrome is a condition that is a result of an injury that has happened to the joints and ligaments that surround this bone. The pain and discomfort that is associated with this ailment occurs in the middle of the foot, and possibly at the bottom of the fourth and fifth toes. This can develop gradually from overuse, or from a sudden injury. Some patients experience specific symptoms with Cuboid syndrome, including difficulty in walking, swelling, and there may be a reduced range of motion. Research has indicated that dancers and athletes may be prone to enduring this condition, and this can be a result of the intensity of their chosen sport. If you have pain in the middle of the foot, it may be linked to Cuboid syndrome, and it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you correct treatment options.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of the podiatrists from Ark La Tex Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Shreveport and Bossier City, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The fat pad is a thick layer of fat located underneath the balls and heels of the feet. It provides cushioning to minimize the effects of friction and pressure on the feet, while also anchoring the feet to help you shift your body weight. Fat pad atrophy is the gradual loss of fat from the ball or the heel of the foot. This process is often associated with aging, but may also be caused by collapsed bones, high arches, foot injuries, arthritis, improper footwear, diabetes, steroid injections, certain medications, and genetic factors. Fat pad atrophy leads to symptoms such as pain in the balls and heels of the feet, swelling, and the formation of calluses. Pain is usually at its worst when walking, standing for prolonged periods of time, or wearing high heels. If you are experiencing fat pad atrophy, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of the podiatrists of Ark La Tex Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors 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 our offices located in Shreveport and Bossier City, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetic foot is a condition that can require a hospital stay for some diabetic patients. It is a condition that may cause the patient to lose feeling in their feet, which can make it difficult to feel a cut or a bruise. It occurs as a result of elevated blood sugar levels. It is beneficial to control the amount of sugar that is ingested, and this is often helpful in keeping glucose levels within a normal range. Additionally, many patients find their feet feel better when they are gently washed and dried, and trimming the toenails correctly may help to avoid cuts on the toes. It is important to incorporate gentle exercise into your daily routine, as this may help to improve circulation and overall health. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to properly manage any foot-related problems that may arise because of this condition.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of the podiatrists from Ark La Tex Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Shreveport and Bossier City, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

It is important for parents to teach their children how to take care of their feet. Children are often fascinated to learn that each of their feet have twenty-six bones, in addition to several muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They understand their feet can feel good when they are washed and dried every day, and when they wear shoes that fit correctly. Babies' feet will get stronger when they can walk barefoot while indoors, due the toes gripping the floor to maintain balance. When the toenails are trimmed, ingrown toenails may be prevented. This is a condition that can cause severe pain and discomfort, and it can make it difficult for children to run and play. If you would like more information about methods on how to teach children the proper way to care for their feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of the podiatrists of Ark La Tex Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Shreveport and Bossier City, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.