Items filtered by date: November 2023

In the realm of women's fashion, high heels often take center stage. However, this type of shoe can lead to a number of potential foot, toe, and ankle problems. For instance, the classic pump can be a double-edged sword for fashion enthusiasts. The rigid material and elevated height may contribute to the development of a painful knot on the back of the heel, commonly referred to as a pump bump. This not only causes discomfort but can also lead to blisters, swelling, bursitis, and persistent Achilles tendon pain. Ultra-high heels force the feet into a position that places excessive stress on the ball of the foot. This heightened pressure can result in inflammation of the metatarsal and sesamoid bones, as well as the toe bones, potentially leading to hairline fractures. Many high heel shoes have a narrow toe box that can lead to toe problems, like bunions and hammertoe. The risk of ankle sprains is common for those wearing high heels, as the concentration of weight on a small area increases the chances of wobbling and tripping. Prioritizing both style and foot health is not only a wise choice but a necessary one. If you have incurred a foot problem or injury caused by frequently wearing high heels, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide appropriate treatment.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Matthew Fillipi, DPM from Practice. 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 East Longmeadow, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A podiatrist manages Morton's neuroma, which is a painful condition involving thickened nerve tissue between the toes. Morton's neuroma typically feels like a sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot, often with a sensation that is likened to a small rock or pebble inside the shoe under the forefoot. It may also feel like a stinging, burning, or numbing sensation in the toes adjacent to the neuroma. The discomfort from Morton's neuroma is generally felt between the third and fourth toes, but can also occur in other parts of the foot. Activities that involve pressure on the forefoot, such as walking or running, can exacerbate the pain. Initial treatments may include wearing proper footwear with a wide toe box and low heels, custom orthotic devices to alleviate pressure, and padding techniques. If these conservative measures fail, the podiatrist may administer corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain. In cases where non-surgical treatments do not provide relief, the podiatrist may recommend surgery, which involves either removing the affected nerve or releasing the tissue surrounding it to relieve pressure. If you believe you have Morton's neuroma, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can begin appropriate and effective treatment.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Matthew Fillipi, DPM of Practice. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Heel spurs, a common foot condition, are bony outgrowths that form on the underside of the heel bone. They often develop in response to long-term strain on the foot's ligaments and muscles. While many individuals have heel spurs, not all experience pain. When pain does occur, it is generally due to the inflammation of the surrounding tissues, a condition known as plantar fasciitis. The symptoms of heel spurs can include sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, especially while walking or standing after periods of rest. The pain tends to improve as the foot warms up but may return after prolonged activity. Risk factors for heel spurs include obesity, wearing poor-fitting or worn-out shoes, and activities that place excessive strain on the feet, such as running and prolonged standing. Diagnosis and treatment may involve having X-rays taken to confirm the presence of a heel spur. Understanding heel spurs and their management options is vital for individuals seeking relief from this often painful condition. If you have developed a heel spur, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if it is mild or severe, and offer treatment options that are right for you.

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 Matthew Fillipi, DPM from Practice. 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 East Longmeadow, MA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Sever's disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a common condition affecting children and adolescents. It occurs due to the inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone, typically during the growth spurts of puberty. One of the primary causes of Sever's disease is the imbalance between the growth of the heel bone and the Achilles tendon. This imbalance can result from intense physical activities, such as running or jumping, which put excessive stress on the heel area. The common symptoms of Sever's disease include heel pain, especially when walking or participating in sports. Pain is often worse during or after activities, and may be accompanied by limping. Swelling and tenderness in the affected heel are also common. It is essential to recognize these signs early, as a timely intervention may help to manage the condition and prevent long-term complications. If your child experiences persistent heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the appropriate course of treatment and ensure a healthy, pain-free adolescence.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Matthew Fillipi, DPM from Practice. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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