Wearing high heels regularly increases the height of the foot arch, shifting body weight forward and placing extra pressure on the toes and forefoot. Over time, this altered posture can cause changes in the musculoskeletal system, including calf muscle tightening, shortened Achilles tendons, and strain on the knees, hips, and lower back. These effects may lead to discomfort, instability, or long-term foot deformities. A podiatrist can assess alignment, recommend stretching and strengthening exercises, and suggest footwear modifications or custom orthotics to reduce strain while maintaining style and comfort. If you have developed foot pain from frequently wearing high heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an expert evaluation and personalized strategies to protect your foot health.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from New Jersey. our doctors 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 Neptune City, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

School age athletes are no strangers to ankle injuries, and research shows that these are among the most common problems young players face on the court and field. Sports that involve quick pivots, frequent jumping, and constant direction changes, like basketball and football, tend to put the most strain on the ankles. Girls’ and boys’ basketball, in particular, see high rates of sprains, as do football programs where contact and sudden stops are routine. The study also found that competition brings a higher chance of ankle injury compared to practice, since games often involve faster play, more aggressive movements, and greater pressure to perform. These patterns highlight how vulnerable the ankle joint can be in growing athletes, especially when the ligaments are repeatedly stressed. A podiatrist can evaluate ankle injuries, provide treatment to promote healing, and recommend ways to help protect young athletes from future sprains or instability. If your child athlete  sustains an ankle injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for expert advice and appropriate treatment.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from New Jersey. our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

Foot corns are small, hardened areas of skin that develop from repeated pressure or friction, often caused by wearing tight shoes or abnormal foot structure. They commonly form on the tops or sides of toes or on weight-bearing areas of the foot. While corns are the body’s way of protecting itself, they can become painful and make walking difficult. Wearing properly fitted shoes with adequate toe space, using protective pads, and keeping the skin moisturized can help prevent their return. Never try to cut or remove a corn at home, as this can lead to infection, especially in people with diabetes or poor circulation. If you have a persistent or painful corn, it is suggested that you schedule an evaluation by a podiatrist, who can safely remove the thickened skin, identify the underlying cause, and recommend footwear or orthotic adjustments to relieve pressure and keep feet healthy.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of New Jersey. our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Tophi are firm deposits that develop beneath the skin when uric acid crystals build up in the joints, often as a complication of long-standing gout. In the feet, tophi may develop around the toes, ankles, or Achilles tendon, creating swollen lumps that can interfere with movement, and cause pain if inflamed. Over time, untreated tophi can damage cartilage, tendons, and other soft tissues, making it difficult to walk comfortably and leading to stiffness or deformity. In some cases, the skin may become stretched and break open, leaking chalky material made of uric acid. A podiatrist can evaluate the extent of joint involvement to determine treatment. Options include reducing the size of the tophi or removing them surgically if they impair function. Surgery may also be considered if tophi are particularly large or threaten joint health. If you have developed tophi from gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from New Jersey. our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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