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 Stephanie Tine, DPM from Flamingo Foot and Ankle. 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 our office located in Fort Lauderdale, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete’s foot is a fungal skin infection that causes uncomfortable changes to the feet. It develops when fungus grows in warm, damp conditions, especially between the toes. The infection can also affect the soles and heels, where skin becomes dry and flaky. Symptoms include itching, redness, and peeling skin. Some patients develop blisters or painful cracks. Athlete’s foot can spread through contact with infected skin or contaminated surfaces. Public showers, swimming pools, and changing rooms are places where the fungus can spread. Despite its name, this infection affects more than athletes.

The appearance of athlete’s foot depends on where the infection develops. Skin between the toes may look white and soggy, while the heels can become rough and scaly. Cracks in the skin sometimes make standing or walking uncomfortable. The fungus can spread to the toenails, causing them to become thick or yellow. Nail infections can be harder to clear than skin infections. Athlete’s foot can spread to other areas of the body through contact. People with sweaty feet face a greater risk because moisture encourages fungal growth. Persistent symptoms deserve attention before the infection becomes more difficult to treat.

A podiatrist can examine the affected skin and determine whether athlete’s foot is causing the symptoms. Treatment depends on the location and severity of the infection. A podiatrist can recommend an antifungal cream or spray and explain how long treatment should continue. More severe infections can require prescription antifungal tablets. When the fungus reaches the toenails, a podiatrist can assess the nails and reduce their thickness to support treatment. The podiatrist can identify factors that encourage repeated infections and discuss ways to lower future risk. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment, which may include prescribed medication.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Stephanie Tine, DPM from Flamingo Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

Running can be great exercise, but foot pain from running can make each step uncomfortable. During each stride, the feet absorb forces that may reach about three times your body weight. Repeated impact can stress bones, joints, and soft tissues. Common conditions include plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and big toe pain called hallux rigidus. Symptoms may develop gradually or appear after changes in mileage, speed, or running surface. Paying attention to early discomfort can help prevent a bigger problem.

Plantar fasciitis affects the thick band of tissue beneath the foot. It connects the heel to the toes and helps support the arch. Runners may feel sharp heel pain with their first steps after rest. Tight calf muscles, increased training, and poor foot support can raise the risk. A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone caused by repeated loading. Pain worsens with activity and may include swelling or tenderness. Rapid training increases, hard surfaces, and inadequate recovery can contribute.

Hallux rigidus is stiffness and arthritis affecting the joint at the base of the big toe. Running can become painful when the toe bends during push-off. Symptoms may include joint pain, stiffness, or a bump on top of the joint. Risk factors include foot structure, previous injury, and repeated stress. A podiatrist can examine your foot, review your training, and check how you walk. X-rays may be recommended. Treatment may include rest, footwear changes, or other care based on the diagnosis.

You do not have to ignore running-related foot pain or push through it. A podiatrist can identify your symptoms and develop a plan for healing. Treatment may also include gradual return-to-running guidance, when appropriate. Wearing supportive shoes and increasing training slowly can help protect your feet. If you have foot pain from running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions, enabling you to return to this popular activity.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Stephanie Tine, DPM from Flamingo Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

A bunion is a common foot deformity that develops when the joint at the base of the big toe shifts out of alignment. The big toe may gradually move toward the smaller toes while the joint becomes more prominent along the inside of the foot. Bunions can form slowly, and early changes may not cause much discomfort. Genetics, foot structure, and long-term pressure from footwear may increase the risk. Narrow shoes can make symptoms more noticeable, but they are not the only cause.

Bunion symptoms can vary from person to person. A visible bump is often the first sign. Pain may develop around the big toe joint, especially while walking or standing. Some people notice redness, swelling, or irritation where shoes rub against the bunion. As the toe becomes less aligned, the foot may distribute weight differently. This can contribute to imbalance and an impaired gait. You may change how you step to avoid pressure, which can place extra stress on other parts of the foot.

A podiatrist can examine the foot, review your symptoms, and assess alignment and movement. X-rays may be used to evaluate the bones and determine the severity of the deformity. Treatment often begins with wearing better-fitting shoes, protective padding, and activity adjustments. A podiatrist may also recommend custom orthotics to improve support and pressure distribution. If pain remains severe or the bunion progresses, surgical correction may be considered. The appropriate procedure depends on the bunion and surrounding joints.

Getting attention early can help you understand what is causing your foot pain and what treatment options may be appropriate. A podiatrist can monitor changes and create a plan based on your needs. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions. 

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Stephanie Tine, DPM of Flamingo Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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