High heels are fashionable but can worsen hallux valgus, commonly known as bunions. These shoes often have narrow toe boxes that squeeze the toes, forcing the big toe out of alignment and aggravating the bony bump at its base. The elevated heel shifts body weight forward, increasing pressure on the forefoot and the bunion, leading to inflammation and discomfort. High heels also alter the natural mechanics of walking, limiting toe movement and stressing the joints, which can accelerate the progression of hallux valgus. For those already experiencing bunion pain, high heels amplify friction and irritation, causing swelling and redness that make walking uncomfortable. Opting for shoes with a wider toe box and a lower heel height can help minimize pain while preserving foot health. If you have developed a bunion from wearing high heels, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for relief options and guidance on choosing shoes that will protect against further foot damage.

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 providers from Gentle Touch Foot Medspa. Our staff members 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 Arlington, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Swelling in the feet and ankles can be a sign of chronic venous insufficiency, or CVI, or heart failure, both of which affect circulation and fluid balance. CVI occurs when the veins in the legs cannot efficiently return blood to the heart, causing blood to pool, resulting in swelling, varicose veins, and pain. Heart failure, on the other hand, leads to fluid buildup throughout the body, including the feet, due to the heart's inability to pump blood effectively. Common symptoms of both conditions include swelling, heaviness, and discomfort in the feet and ankles, often worsened by prolonged standing or inactivity. Treatment for CVI may involve compression stockings, lifestyle changes, and medications, while heart failure may require managing underlying cardiovascular health. A podiatrist can play a critical role in managing foot symptoms associated with these conditions by recommending proper footwear, compression therapy, and providing guidance on exercises to improve circulation. If you experience persistent foot swelling, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough evaluation and personalized care plan.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our providers of Gentle Touch Foot Medspa. Our staff members can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. This condition often affects the big toe and can lead to discomfort, or even difficulty walking. Common symptoms include redness, tenderness, and drainage if the area becomes infected. Older adults are more likely to develop ingrown toenails due to changes in nail growth, reduced circulation, or difficulty trimming nails properly. Additionally, conditions like arthritis or poor mobility can make it harder to manage foot care. Treatment for ingrown toenails often involves soaking the foot, wearing loose shoes, and gently lifting the nail to relieve pressure. In more severe cases, a podiatrist may need to trim or remove part of the nail and, if needed, prescribe antibiotics for infection. If you have an ingrown toenail, especially as you age, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for proper care and relief.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our providers of Gentle Touch Foot Medspa. Our staff members can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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