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Monday, 29 June 2020 00:00
What Causes Cracked Heels?
The uncomfortable condition that is known as cracked heels can cause difficulty in walking and wearing shoes. They are described as deep cracks, or fissures in the heel of the foot, and bleeding may occur in severe cases. There are several reasons why this condition may develop. These can include frequently wearing shoes that have an open back, or standing for long periods of time. Additionally, existing medical conditions such as psoriasis or eczema may cause the skin to become dry, and cracked heels may develop. Research has indicated it may be beneficial to drink plenty of water, as this may help the body to stay hydrated. If you notice your heels are dry, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can recommend the best treatment options for cracked heels.
Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Cracked Heels
Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.
How Do You Get Them?
Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.
Promote Healing
Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.
Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.
Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.
Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin.
Change in Diet
Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.
Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Monday, 03 August 2020 00:00
Keys to Help Those Who Work on Their Feet
If you work on your feet all day, it is common to feel pain and weakness in the feet. One of the biggest keys to reducing this pain is to wear proper footwear. Shoes need to be supportive of the feet, and they may need to have extra cushioning. Secondly, make sure to stand tall. When you lean forward, there is increased pressure on the arch of the foot, causing it to strain. Another important step for those who work on their feet is to move around every 20-30 minutes in order to keep the feet warmed up. Lastly, building up strength is essential in helping to prevent foot pain. Building muscle helps support your weight and increases your functional capacity. If you work on your feet regularly and experience pain and discomfort, it is important to consult with a podiatrist for help.
While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Working on Your Feet
Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.
Positive Changes
Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.
Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.
Eliminate Pain
Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.
Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen.
With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Monday, 12 October 2020 00:00
Possible Treatment Options for Wounds on the Feet
Diabetic patients are often aware that a common area for wounds to develop is on the feet. This may be a result of elevated glucose levels in the blood, which can cause nerve damage. The nerve damage can result in difficulty feeling cuts, bruises, and wounds on the feet. Proper wound care consists of washing the affected area, followed by applying an antibiotic ointment. The wound can be protected by covering it with a bandage, which can also help to control drainage. The healing process may possibly be accelerated by keeping weight off of the affected foot, which can be achieved by wearing an offloading boot. If you are afflicted with wounds on your feet, it is strongly recommended that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can guide you toward the best treatments for you.
Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Wound Care?
Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic.
What Is the Importance of Wound Care?
While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.
How to Care for Wounds
The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Tuesday, 23 August 2022 00:00
Exercises That Can Help to Strengthen the Feet
The easiest way to strengthen the feet is by exercising. There are specific foot stretches and exercises that can enhance the overall foot when frequently practiced. The feet are the foundation of the body and are often forgotten about during strength training routines. There are two categories of muscles that are found in each foot. The muscles that are responsible for maintaining the arch and aid in shock absorption are referred to as the intrinsic foot muscles. The ankle is moved, and the toes are flexed and pointed by engaging the global lower limb muscles. The toes can be strengthened by performing toe curls which are done by stepping on a towel and picking it up with the toes. The arch can become stronger by sitting in a chair while trying to shorten the foot by bringing the ball of the foot toward the heel. If you would like additional information about the benefits of exercising your feet, please confer with a podiatrist.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Exercise for Your Feet
Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.
Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual.
Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Tuesday, 16 August 2022 00:00
What Can Provide Relief for Patients Who Have Pain From Flat Feet?
The medical name for flat feet is called pes planus. Flat feet are noticeable while standing on the floor, as the entire foot lies flat. There are some patients who have a small arch, and this is considered to be in the flat foot family. Babies are born with flat feet, and the arch generally develops between ages three and six. This happens as a result of the baby’s foot outgrowing the fat pad, and balance is often improved. If the arch fails to develop, it may be because of tight calf muscles, flexible foot and ankle ligaments, and generally poor foot stability. Many patients have little pain with flat feet, and specific stretches may help to improve flexibility. If there is pain and discomfort from this condition and completing daily activities becomes difficult to accomplish, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can prescribe custom-made orthotics, and help you with correct exercises and stretches that may provide relief.
Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.
Conditions & Problems:
Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.
Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.
Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.
Symptoms
- Pain around the heel or arch area
- Trouble standing on the tip toe
- Swelling around the inside of the ankle
- Flat look to one or both feet
- Having your shoes feel uneven when worn
Treatment
If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Monday, 04 January 2021 00:00
What Is Causing My Painful Bunion?
Bunions are a very common foot condition that cause a bony lump to form at the main joint of the big toe. This occurs when the joint is pulled out of alignment because the big toe is turned towards the rest of the toes. While bunions may not cause pain or symptoms at first, they can eventually push the other toes out of alignment making it difficult to wear shoes or walk. Bunions even have a tendency of causing skin irritation as the shoes rub against the affected area. Bunions can be caused due to inherited defects in the foot structure, wearing poorly fitted shoes, arthritis, conditions that damage the nerves in the feet, and of course injuries. If you are suffering from a painful bunion, consulting with a podiatrist for pain relief methods is highly suggested.
If you are suffering from bunions, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Bunion?
A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.
Why Do Bunions Form?
Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary
Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions
How Are Bunions Diagnosed?
Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.
How Are Bunions Treated?
- Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
- Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
- Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
- Orthotics or foot inserts
- Surgery
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Tuesday, 06 July 2021 00:00
What Is a Ringworm Infection?
Despite the creepy-crawly implications of its name, ringworm is actually not a worm at all, but rather a fungal infection. The name ringworm comes from the red, scaly, itchy, ring-shaped rash that appears on infected skin. This type of infection often affects the feet and is commonly referred to as “athlete’s foot.” The rash associated with athlete’s foot can affect any part of the foot, but is usually found in between the toes or on the soles of the feet. It is highly contagious and can easily spread to other people or other parts of the body. Athlete’s foot can be treated through topical or oral antifungal medications. If you have a red, scaly rash on your feet, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist.
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 Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. 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 offices located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Tuesday, 31 August 2021 00:00
What Are Sesamoids?
The sesamoid bones are located in the ball of the foot, just behind the big toe. These two tiny pea-sized bones support tendons in the feet and allow downward motion of the big toe. When the sesamoids are inflamed it is known as sesamoiditis. This condition usually arises as a result of a sudden injury that bends the big toe upwards. People who participate in sports that put stress on the sesamoid bones, such as football, soccer, and dance, are at an increased risk of sesamoid injuries. Suddenly increasing the intensity of your workouts or wearing ill-fitted shoes or shoes with excessively high heels can also make sesamoiditis more likely. Symptoms of this condition include pain under the ball of the foot, a restricted range of motion in the big toe, and a popping sensation in your big toe when you walk. If you suspect that you may have sesamoiditis, please seek the care of a podiatrist.
Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin of Florida. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.
Sesamoiditis
Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.
Causes of Sesamoiditis
- Sudden increase in activity
- Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
- Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible
Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Tuesday, 30 November 2021 00:00
Why Heel Spurs Form
Heel Spurs are calcium deposits that form on the bottom of the heel near the arch. This area of the foot is referred to as the plantar fascia. Heel spurs can occur when the heel bone and plantar fascia are exposed to repeated stress. This type of stress can be due to over-stretching the plantar fascia, habitual tearing of the heel bone’s thin lining, and straining ligaments and muscles in the feet. The stress in this area usually also causes plantar fasciitis (an inflammation of the plantar fascia). Because heel spurs are not always painful, and usually occur along with plantar fasciitis, they can often go undetected. Symptomatic heel spurs can create a sharp pain, inflammation and tenderness, and feel warm to the touch. People who are obese, older, or who wear improper footwear, are more at risk of developing heel spurs, as well as those who participate in activities such as running and jumping repeatedly, or who suffer from osteoarthritis. A podiatrist will typically use X-rays to identify and diagnose heel spurs. If you believe you may have heel spurs, make an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination and analysis of your condition.
Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.
Heels Spurs
Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.
Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.
Pain
The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.
Treatments
There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.
If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.
Sunday, 14 August 2022 00:00
Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!
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Tuesday, 09 August 2022 00:00
Larger Feet During Pregnancy
Pregnant women will notice that as their body undergoes a series of changes throughout their pregnancy, their feet might feel different as well. One change that pregnant women may notice in their feet is that the size of their feet may increase anywhere from half a shoe size to a full shoe size. There are several potential explanations for increasing foot size. First, swelling of the feet and legs is typical for pregnant women. Second, as a woman carries her baby to term she may gain a significant amount of weight. This dramatic increase in weight can exert pressure on the woman’s feet, causing them to spread wider when she stands. Pregnant women might also notice their arches becoming flattened and longer. Third, a pregnant women may experience a larger foot size because she produces the hormone relaxin, which can loosen ligaments in the foot causing them to expand. Consequently, the foot expands as well. Although it is unclear whether you can prevent your feet from expanding during your pregnancy there are steps that you can take to mitigate swelling in your feet and legs. For example, drinking large quantities of water and elevating your feet while sitting can help to improve blood circulation in your feet. If you are pregnant or plan to be, it may be a good idea to contact a podiatrist who can help you maintain proper foot health.
Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?
One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward. This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.
Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages.
How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?
- Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
- Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
- Wear shoes with good arch support
- Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
- Elevate feet if you experience swelling
- Massage your feet
- Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Tuesday, 02 August 2022 00:00
Gout Flares
Gout is a type of arthritis that presents sudden episodes of severe pain and swelling in the joints, often in the big toe. Range of motion in the big toe may become limited. Those with gout frequently experience flare-ups at night. Gout is the result of uric acid accumulating in the blood from purines in food, which triggers a buildup of crystals in joints. Diets rich in purines can lead to gout flares. There is uric acid medicine for this condition. However, it is best to manage symptoms through following a purine-restricted diet. Foods that are high in purines include shellfish, veal, venison, liver and other organ meats, alcoholic beverages – especially beer, kidney beans, lentils, and spinach. Those with gout should limit protein consumption overall and try to include plant-based sources of protein in their diets. If you experience periodic pain in your big toe and think you might have gout, consult with a podiatrist who can help you better understand and manage this condition.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.
People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.
Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Tuesday, 26 July 2022 00:00
Several Reasons You May Have Toe Pain
An underlying medical condition may cause pain in the big toe. These can consist of arthritis, gout, or an injury that is the result of a fracture. A bunion may cause big toe pain and is generally felt on the bottom of the toe. Additionally, a source of toe pain can come from an ingrown toenail and this may cause difficulty in walking. Intense pain in the toe can be a result of gout, which can develop from excess uric acid in the blood. Crystals can form in the joints of the big toe and this often causes severe pain and discomfort. People who frequently participate in sporting activities may experience turf toe. This comes from being involved in repetitive activities and can cause the big toe to bend in an abnormal position. The sesamoid bones are found inside the muscles and are connected to tendons. Sesamoiditis can develop from inflamed tendons under the big toe as a result of repetitive use. If you have toe pain, please seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can accurately confirm its source, and provide effective treatment methods.
Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Causes Toe Pain?
Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.
Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
- Trauma
- Sports injury
- Wearing shoes that are too tight
- Arthritis
- Gout
- Corns and calluses
- Hammertoe
- Bunions
- Blisters
- Ingrown toenails
- Sprains
- Fractures (broken bones)
- Dislocations
When to See a Podiatrist
- Severe pain
- Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
- Signs of infection
- Continued swelling
- Pain that prevents walking
Diagnosis
In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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
Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Tuesday, 19 July 2022 00:00
Effective Foot Care Methods for High Heel Wearers
Many foot problems can occur when high heels are frequently worn. It is important to protect the feet, and there are specific methods that can be implemented, which may make the feet feel better. When the day is over, and the high heels come off, many women walk barefoot to stretch their foot muscles out. Excess friction from wearing high heels may cause a blister to form, and it is beneficial to cover it with a protective bandage. Popping the blister may prolong the healing, and covering it can be helpful in resisting the urge to pop it. When the feet are soaked in a tub of warm water, it soothes the muscles, and this can be followed by applying a good moisturizer. Foot yoga can be beneficial to practice as often as possible, and many women find this to be effective in strengthening the entire foot. Pampering the feet always feels good, and getting a pedicure is helpful in maintaining proper skin conditions. There are different types of high heels the feet can feel comfortable in, and it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with beneficial information about what type of high heels to wear.
High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. 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 offices located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
