July 2023

Women can feel comfortable wearing high heels in various settings, from casual to formal occasions. The appeal of wearing this type of shoe may include making an individual look taller while enhancing the shape of the legs. Despite this attraction to wearing high heels, they may not be the best for the feet when they are frequently worn. The higher the heel, the greater the impact they can have on the ball of the foot. The heel height can reduce the range of motion in the ankle and may decrease support in the heels. This may cause ankle instability and result in enduring an ankle fracture or sprain. Bunions and hammertoes are common ailments among those who wear high heels daily. The toe areas of high heels can be narrow, causing the toes to shift together and possibly leading to unwanted foot conditions. High-heel wearers may want to compromise and choose a shoe with a wider toe box and a lower heel. If you would like to have additional knowledge about how the feet are affected by wearing high heels, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Stephen Petrofsky 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 office located in Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Having an injury can cause runners to become upset, realizing they may have to stop running or jogging so their body can heal properly. This may be avoided when correct running prevention techniques are implemented. It is beneficial to take the necessary time to perform a warm up and cool down before and after any running activity, which may be successful in protecting the feet. Additionally, running injuries may be avoided when mileage and distance are increased gradually, and it may help to use proper form while running. Incorporating strength training exercises is a good method in keeping the muscles and bones strong, and there are multiple ways this can be accomplished. The soles of the feet can become stronger when they are rolled on a foam roller or frozen water bottle. This may be helpful in breaking up existing scar tissue, and generally loosening the feet up before embarking on a running routine. If you would like more information about how to protect the feet and prevent running injuries, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Stephen Petrofsky of Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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

The foot condition that is known as gout can happen suddenly. It is accompanied by severe pain and discomfort, and it is often difficult to walk. It is an ailment that affects the joints in the big toe, causing it to throb and have a burning sensation. Gout can happen if there is a family history of it occurring or possibly from the foods that are eaten. These types of foods have purines in them and include red meat, shellfish, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. Eating these foods can prompt excess uric acid to form in the joints, possibly causing gout to develop. Gout attacks may be reduced when a healthy diet is implemented, in addition to engaging in a gentle exercise program. Also, it is helpful to avoid sugary foods, and it can be beneficial to drink plenty of water daily. If you have pain in your big toe, it is strongly suggested that you do not hesitate in contacting a podiatrist who can provide effective relief options and additional prevention methods.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Stephen Petrofsky 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 office located in Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

When you think of sprained ankles, athletes often come to mind, but anyone can incur this painful injury. Simply stepping unexpectedly off of a curb can cause an ankle sprain. A sprain is the overstretching, tearing, or rupturing of ligaments that hold the ankle together. Experts suggest immobilizing the affected ankle immediately, to stabilize the joint, and reduce existing swelling. If the sprain is mild, utilizing the rest, ice, compression, and elevation first aid techniques can help. If putting weight on the injured foot is extremely painful, the sprain is likely to be more severe, possibly causing recovery time to increase. Unfortunately, healing from a sprained ankle can generally take several months. An essential part of healing a sprained ankle is performing stretching and strengthening exercises to help the joint become more stable. In addition, wearing an ankle brace or using crutches may help with mobility. A podiatrist can offer more advanced treatment options, including prescribing anti-inflammatory medications, recommending appropriate orthotic devices, and performing surgery to repair the ligament, if needed. If you believe you have sprained an ankle, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options. 

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Stephen Petrofsky from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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