Wearing high heels regularly can take a toll on your body over time, and may produce weakened ligaments, lower back and knee pain, bunions, corns, calluses, plantar fasciitis, hammertoe, Morton’s neuroma, sesamoiditis, stiffened/shortened Achilles tendons, ankle sprains, and more. Women who are not dissuaded completely from wearing high heels can try to minimize their harmful effects with a few modifications. Shoes should be properly fitted and not too small. Foot size changes with age, childbirth, and fluctuations in weight, and feet should be measured for length and width with every shoe purchase. Heels should not be worn every day—only once in a while or on special occasions. Pencil-thin stilettos should be switched out with wider-heeled shoes which distribute body weight more evenly across the heel, or platforms or wedges that offer more stability and support. T-strap or Mary Jane styles help prevent the foot from sliding forward into the narrower part of the shoe, and also keep it more aligned evenly over the arch. A podiatrist may have additional footwear advice as well as the ability to create custom orthotics for support and to relieve pressure points on the foot caused by high heels.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Deborah Rosenfeld from Rosenfeld Podiatry. 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 Marlton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Onychomycosis, also called tinea unguium, is a fungal infection that affects the toenails. It often begins as a small white or yellow spot under the nail and gradually spreads, causing the nail to thicken, change color, and become brittle. Over time, the nail may crumble, separate from the nail bed, or cause discomfort when walking or wearing shoes. Several factors raise the risk of developing this condition. Warm, moist environments, such as locker rooms and around public pools, encourage fungal growth. Wearing tight shoes, having diabetes, reduced circulation, or a weakened immune system also makes infection more likely. Because toenail fungus rarely clears on its own, professional treatment is important. Options may include oral or topical antifungal medications or removal of severely damaged nails. If you notice changes in your toenails that suggest infection, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Deborah Rosenfeld of Rosenfeld Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Marlton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to mistakenly attack healthy joints, often affecting the small joints of the feet. This condition leads to inflammation that can cause swelling, warmth, redness, and stiffness, making walking and daily activities difficult. Risk factors include genetics, age, smoking, and being female. Over time, rheumatoid arthritis can damage joints, change foot shape, and create long-lasting pain. A podiatrist can help by providing specialized care to reduce discomfort, improve mobility, and recommend supportive footwear or orthotics. Do not let rheumatoid arthritis take control of your feet. If you have symptoms of this uncomfortable condition, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management tips. 

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 Deborah Rosenfeld of Rosenfeld Podiatry. 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 Marlton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Kohler disease is a rare foot condition that affects the tarsal navicular bone. This small midfoot bone helps connect the ankle to the toes and supports the arch, which becomes compressed and weakened. Kohler disease typically occurs in children between the ages of five and 10. The exact cause is unknown, but possible genetic links and disruptions in blood supply may contribute. Symptoms often include redness of the foot, tenderness along the length of the arch, swelling, and limping due to pain. Although the condition usually resolves with time, early diagnosis is important to relieve discomfort and prevent long-term issues. A podiatrist can provide supportive treatments, recommend protective footwear, and monitor healing. If your child shows signs of Kohler disease or has foot pain of any kind, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist to schedule an appointment for expert care.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Deborah Rosenfeld of Rosenfeld Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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