Items filtered by date: August 2023

High heels may add elegance and style to an outfit, but their impact on our feet is far from glamorous. The unnatural position of the foot in high heels puts excessive pressure on the toes, leading to bunions, corns, and calluses. Because the heel is elevated while high heels are worn, it can cause Achilles tendon tightness and calf muscle strain, leading to discomfort and reduced flexibility. High heels also shift the body weight forward, increasing the risk of ankle sprains and instability. Prolonged use of high heels can even alter the natural arch of the foot, leading to plantar fasciitis and other painful conditions. To reduce these risks, it is suggested that high-heel wear be limited and the shoes that are worn have low heels or supportive wedges. If you have foot pain from wearing high heels, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can help you find additional relief options.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Edward S. Pozarny DPM from Arlington Podiatry Center. 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 Arlington, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis, abbreviated RA, is a relentless autoimmune disorder that does not spare the feet from pain. The immune system's misguided attacks on the synovium, which is the protective lining of joints, lead to chronic inflammation in various parts of the body, including the feet. The small joints in the toes, the arch, and the ankle are frequent targets, causing swelling, stiffness, and pain. Over time, RA can lead to deformities, such as bunions, hammertoes, and collapsed arches, resulting in altered foot structure and gait. The chronic pain can impair mobility, leading to a reduced quality of life. Early diagnosis and prompt intervention are crucial to managing symptoms and slowing down the progression. A treatment approach involving medication, wearing orthotics, and incorporating lifestyle adjustments may help to alleviate the burden on the feet and enhance overall foot health for individuals with RA. If you have this condition, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you additional relief options.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Edward S. Pozarny DPM of Arlington Podiatry Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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

Heel spurs are commonly misunderstood and usually do not cause heel pain. In fact, most heel pain is attributed to plantar fasciitis, a condition where the ligament on the bottom of the foot, termed the plantar fascia, becomes chronically inflamed. It then can get calcified where it attaches to the heel bone. It may even appear as a heel spur on an X-ray. The pain stems from the strain on the plantar fascia, due to overuse or repetitive exertion, and often is made worse by wearing inadequately supportive footwear. Symptoms include discomfort on the bottom of the heel, which occasionally extends into the arch. Surgical removal of heel spurs is largely considered unnecessary, as relief from the pain can often occur without addressing the spur itself. Wearing shoe inserts and incorporating simple stretches can lead to significant relief from this type of heel pain. Proper arch support and cushioning are often effective ways to relieve heel pain. So, while heel spurs may appear concerning, they may not be the main cause of discomfort. Instead, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can conduct imaging tests and identify the cause and suggest the appropriate treatment measures. 

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 Edward S. Pozarny DPM from Arlington Podiatry Center. 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 office located in Arlington, VA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

The foot condition that is known as cracked heels affects approximately 20 percent of adults throughout the country. Severely cracked heels are referred to as fissures, and may bleed and become infected. Cracked heels can happen from frequently wearing shoes that have an open back, or from standing on hard surfaces for most of the day. Having the correct knowledge of why this condition develops can be followed by implementing prevention strategies. These can include washing and drying the feet thoroughly, followed by applying a good moisturizer on them. It is helpful to avoid flip-flops when possible, and instead, it is beneficial to choose a shoe that has a cushioned heel. There may be existing medical conditions that may cause cracked heels to develop. These can include thyroid disorders, poor circulation, and elevated glucose levels. If you have cracked heels, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can offer you correct relief and treatment methods.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Edward S. Pozarny DPM from Arlington Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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

One of the most common ailments women can have during their pregnancy is swollen feet. The medical term for swollen feet is edema, which can happen for many reasons. Gravity plays a role in this condition, in addition to the extra fluids the body produces to house the growing baby. Pregnancy causes pressure from the uterus on the pelvic veins and affects the large vein on the right side of the body. This vein returns the blood from the lower limbs to the heart, which may cause swollen feet. It may worsen if temperatures are warm outside or if a large amount of sodium is included in the diet. Additionally, there is a pregnancy hormone called relaxin that loosens the ligaments, which allows the bones to spread out for eventual delivery. The feet are no exception to widening, and many women must purchase larger shoes. If you have questions about why your feet become swollen during pregnancy, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

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 Edward S. Pozarny DPM from Arlington Podiatry Center. 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 office located in Arlington, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.