April 2016

Many different issues can result from wearing high heels for too long. These issues include the forming of bunions, which are growths caused by improper alignment of the toe joints. Hammertoes can also be caused by high heels, which are characterized as bent toes that are caused by friction. Constant pressure and friction on your toes can lead to other conditions such as tailor’s bunions, or small bunions formed near your pinkie toe, pump bumps or pain in the heels, and metatarsalgia or the inflammation of the balls of your feet.

High heels have a history for causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet consult with one of our podiatrists of University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. Our doctors will attend to all of your podiatric needs.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because their style and societal appeal. Despite this, they can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

What parts 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. Also, 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 East Brunswick and Monroe Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about the effects of high heels.

If you have toenail fungus and find that pharmacy medications are just too costly, good news, there is one inexpensive option to consider. According to a study conducted in 2009, the thyme extract in the Vicks VapoRub product helped treat and cure toenail fungus. Thymol, the ingredient “which is naturally found in the herb thyme,” had antifungal properties which helped fight against toenail fungus. If you’d like to try Vicks VapoRub or thyme essential oil on your toenail fungus, make sure to trim, wash, and dry your toenail first before application.

While toenail fungus is troublesome to eradicate, doing so is not impossible. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists of University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. Our doctors will attend to all of your podiatric needs.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a problem which affects many people and is hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating toenail fungus.

Antibiotics & Treatments

Lamisil – is the most commonly effective treatment for toenail fungus. It is available as an antibiotic Terbinafine tablet and cream. Terbinafine is a chemical component which kills fungal growth on the body. Applying regular doses will gradually kill the fungal growth. It is important to keep the area clean and air free.

Talcum powder – applying powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well

Alternative Treatments

There are always surgical procedures that are available for toenail fungus. Some people would like immediate quick removal of toenail fungus. Surgeons will be able to cut through and remove the growth using laser surgery. It is important not to try and remove it yourself. Once removed, your old shoes will need to be replaced to avoid reinfection.  

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in East Brunswick and Monroe Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Toenail Fungus

The Society for Vascular Surgery and the American Podiatric Medical Association have collaborated together to “develop a clinical practice guideline for the care of feet in people with diabetes.” The guidelines focus on the prevention of diabetic foot ulcers, off-loading, osteomyelitis, and peripheral arterial disease. The guidelines suggest centering prevention around diabetic foot ulcers, with patients visiting their podiatrists or doctors often, especially if they have peripheral neuropathy, the loss of sensation. It’s important for patients and their families to be educated and to maintain and control diabetic feet problems.

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 consult with one of our podiatrists of University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. Our doctors will attend to all of your podiatric needs.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. Diabetes can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, including 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 because 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 East Brunswick and Monroe Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Diabetic Foot Care