Foot pain from wearing high heels develops when this type of shoes change how body weight is distributed across the feet. Instead of spreading pressure evenly, heels shift more weight toward the forefoot, increasing stress on the ball of the foot and toes. Common symptoms include aching, burning, and tenderness that may worsen after several hours of wear. Some people also develop blisters or swelling around the toes. Although high heels can complement an outfit, wearing them frequently or for extended periods may contribute to ongoing discomfort and other foot problems.

High heels also change your natural walking pattern, which can affect balance and stability. The raised heel alters your gait by shortening your stride and changing how your foot contacts the ground. A narrow toe box may squeeze the toes together, increasing pressure and aggravating bunions or hammertoes. Walking in spiked heels can also increase the risk of ankle sprains and falls. Risk factors include wearing very high heels, choosing shoes that fit poorly, and spending long hours standing or walking on hard surfaces.

Another concern is the effect of high heels on the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Regularly wearing high heels keeps the ankle in a downward-pointing position, allowing the tendon and calf muscles to remain shortened. This may contribute to tightness and discomfort when switching to flat shoes. Stretching the calves gently and alternating between lower-heeled, supportive footwear can help reduce strain. Choosing shoes with a wider toe box and limiting time spent in high heels may also improve comfort.

A podiatrist examines your feet, evaluates your gait, and identifies conditions that contribute to pain. Treatment may include shoe recommendations, custom orthotics, or care for tendon and joint problems. If you have foot pain from wearing high heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Jonathan Kletz from Texas Foot Works. 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 one of our our offices located in Dallas, Athens, and Gun Barrel City, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Falling at home is a common concern for older adults, and a simple stumble can cause injury. A fall happens when balance, vision, or footing is disrupted. Common symptoms after a fall include pain, swelling, or bruising. Tenderness, difficulty walking, or reduced movement may also be common. Persistent discomfort deserves attention. Falls can result in sprains, fractures, or damage to the toes and midfoot.

Several factors can increase the risk of falling at home. Loose rugs, cluttered walkways, and stairs can create hazards. Weakness, vision problems, and medications may also contribute. Seniors can reduce these risks by keeping pathways clear and securing or removing loose rugs. Installing brighter lighting and sturdy handrails can make movement around the home safer. Wearing supportive, properly fitted shoes instead of walking in socks can also improve stability.

Fall-proofing the home is especially important in areas used every day. Keep frequently used items within easy reach to avoid climbing or stretching. Use non-slip mats in areas where floors may become wet. A bathroom grab bar can provide additional support near the shower or toilet. After a fall, avoid putting weight on a painful foot or ankle. A podiatrist can examine the foot, check swelling and tenderness, and determine whether imaging is needed.

Treatment depends on the injury and its severity. A podiatrist may recommend rest, protective footwear, or temporary immobilization as needed. Bracing or supportive devices may help protect an injured area while it heals. A walking boot may protect a fracture while it heals. Follow-up visits can monitor healing and help determine when normal activity can safely resume and reduce the chance of another fall. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury from falling at home, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief, treatment, and additional fall prevention tips.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Dr. Jonathan Kletz from Texas Foot Works. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our our offices located in Dallas, Athens, and Gun Barrel City, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken toe can result from stubbing the foot, dropping a heavy object on it, or taking a forceful step during sports. A big-toe fracture can be especially serious. The big toe helps the body balance and push forward while walking. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and bruising. The toe may also look crooked or feel too tender to touch. Some fractures extend into a joint or cause bone pieces to move out of position. A cut near the injury can signal an open fracture. This means the broken bone is exposed through a wound. Examination is important because a sprain, bone bruise, and fracture can cause similar symptoms.

A podiatrist can assess the injured toe. X-rays can confirm a fracture and show its location, pattern, and severity. Other imaging tests can provide more detail when nearby tissue damage is suspected. Treatment depends on which toe is broken and whether the bone remains aligned. A podiatrist can reposition a displaced bone so it heals correctly. This foot doctor can also protect the toe with taping, a splint, or a stiff-soled medical shoe. These measures limit painful movement and reduce pressure on the injured toe. Follow-up X-rays can track healing before the patient returns to demanding activities. Many broken toes heal within several weeks, although recovery varies with the injury.

Severe fractures sometimes need surgery. This can be necessary when a break enters a joint, bone pieces are widely separated, or the toe remains unstable. Pins, screws, or plates can hold the bone in place while it heals. Early treatment can lower the risk of lasting stiffness, deformity, and pain. Urgent evaluation is important when the toe looks misshapen, the skin is broken, or numbness develops. People with diabetes or poor circulation should seek immediate care because healing problems can be more serious. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment. 

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Jonathan Kletz from Texas Foot Works. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our our offices located in Dallas, Athens, and Gun Barrel City, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete’s foot is a fungal skin infection that begins between the toes. The fungus grows in warm, damp places and can spread through contact with contaminated surfaces. Locker-room floors, showers, and pool areas are sources of exposure. Shoes that trap heat and moisture can create conditions that allow fungus to grow. Symptoms include itching, burning, and peeling skin. The affected area may also become red, cracked, or sore. Some infections spread across the sole or along the sides of the foot. Small, fluid-filled blisters can appear in certain cases.

Although an athlete’s foot infection can seem minor, it should not be ignored. Cracks in the skin can allow bacteria to enter and cause a serious infection. This risk is greater for patients with diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system. Athlete’s foot can also spread to the toenails, hands, or other areas of the body. Because eczema and other skin problems can cause similar symptoms, an accurate diagnosis is important. A podiatrist can examine the skin and determine whether a fungal infection is present. In some cases, a small skin sample is tested to confirm the cause.

A podiatrist can recommend treatment based on the location and severity of the infection. The podiatrist can also check for nail involvement, bacterial infection, or skin damage that requires closer attention. Guidance can be provided on keeping the feet dry and reducing the chance of another infection. This includes choosing breathable shoes, changing damp socks, and protecting the feet in shared bathing areas. Shoes should fit properly and allow enough room around the toes. Patients should seek prompt care when symptoms keep returning or begin to spread. Swelling, drainage, or increasing pain also requires professional evaluation. Early diagnosis can shorten the infection and help protect the surrounding skin and nails. If you have symptoms of an athlete’s foot infection, it is important that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist effective relief and treatment solutions.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Jonathan Kletz from Texas Foot Works.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our our offices located in Dallas, Athens, and Gun Barrel City, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.