The allure of high heels is undeniable, offering a boost of confidence and a stylish edge to an outfit. However, the fashionable appeal comes at a cost, as prolonged wear of high heels can lead to a myriad of foot problems. One of the most common issues is the alteration of the foot's natural alignment, placing excessive pressure on the ball of the foot and toes. This imbalance can contribute to the development of painful conditions such as bunions and hammertoes. The elevated position of the heel can strain the Achilles tendon, leading to discomfort and increasing the risk of injuries. Continuous wear may also cause the calf muscles to tighten, affecting overall foot flexibility. Furthermore, high heels can contribute to the development of calluses, corns, and even stress fractures. While high heels undoubtedly add flair to an ensemble, it is essential to be mindful of the potential consequences and prioritize foot health to avoid long-term complications. If you are dealing wit foot problems caused from frequently wearing high heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment 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 Corinne R. Kauderer, DPM from Dyker Heights Foot & Ankle. 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 one of our offices located in Brooklyn, NY and Old Bridge, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches or pes planus, is a common condition where the arches of the feet are significantly reduced or nonexistent. This can be caused by various factors and is often associated with a range of symptoms. The most common cause of flat feet is genetics, where an individual inherits the condition from their family. In some cases, arches may not fully develop during childhood, leading to flat feet. Other causes can include injuries, muscle or tendon imbalances, and conditions such as arthritis, which can weaken the arch-supporting structures. Symptoms of flat feet can vary, with some people experiencing pain and discomfort, particularly in the arch area or heels. Others may not have any noticeable symptoms at all. The condition can lead to overpronation, causing the feet to roll inward when walking, which may result in problems like shin splints or knee pain. If you have flat feet, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you relief and treatment options.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Corinne R. Kauderer, DPM from Dyker Heights Foot & Ankle. 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 one of our offices located in Brooklyn, NY and Old Bridge, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

To diagnose peripheral neuropathy and determine what is causing it, a podiatrist may ask questions about symptoms, physically check troublesome areas, and test feeling, strength, and reflex actions in these areas. Blood tests are often ordered to look for common causes of foot neuropathy, such as diabetes or a vitamin B12 shortage. If further testing is needed, nerve conduction and electrical studies can be done to observe how nerves respond to small electric shocks, in addition to measuring muscle electrical activity. Underlying health issues or side effects of medication may surface during testing. In rare cases, a nerve sample from near the ankle might be taken for a biopsy to look for specific neuropathy indicators. Imaging such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs might also be performed to find the root cause of neuropathy. If you suffer from foot neuropathy, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough examination and necessary testing done to determine the root cause of the problem prior to proceeding with treatment to ease your discomfort.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Corinne R. Kauderer, DPM from Dyker Heights Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Brooklyn, NY and Old Bridge, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sever's disease, despite its name, is not a true disease, but rather a common pediatric foot condition. It primarily affects active children and adolescents, typically between the ages of 8 to 14, who are engaged in physical activities or sports. This condition is characterized by pain and discomfort in the heel, particularly the growth plate at the back of the heel bone, where the Achilles tendon attaches. Sever's disease, or calcaneal apophysitis, occurs as a result of the growth plate being pulled on by the Achilles tendon. The growth plate is still developing during adolescence and is vulnerable to injury. Repetitive stress from activities such as running, jumping, or sudden growth spurts can lead to inflammation, causing heel pain. The discomfort tends to worsen with physical activity and can be particularly bothersome during and after exercise. Understanding Sever's disease is vital for parents, coaches, and young athletes. While it is usually a self-limiting condition, meaning it resolves as the growth plate closes, it can be painful and disruptive to a child's daily life. Early recognition and appropriate care are important to ensure a smoother path to recovery for adolescents affected by Sever's disease. If your active child has heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat Sever’s disease.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Corinne R. Kauderer, DPM from Dyker Heights Foot & Ankle. 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 one of our offices located in Brooklyn, NY and Old Bridge, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.