Items filtered by date: May 2023

Various benefits can come from wearing high heels. High heels can make the legs look slender and make you appear taller. Despite these attractions, there are also risks associated with frequently wearing high heels, including ankle instability, and the heel may undergo extreme pressure. The foot structure may change when high heels are worn often, and bunions and hammertoes could develop or worsen. Additionally, corns can form on the side of the pinky toe or top of the toes due to limited room in the toe area. Heel pain may indicate that plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis has developed, possibly causing difficulty pointing and flexing the toes. Foot pain may be prevented when wearing shoes with a lower heel, and shoes that have a wedge may provide extra support. If you would like more information about the pros and cons of wearing high heels it is suggested that you consult 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 Vivian C. Iwu, DPM from Choice Podiatry Center. 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 Marietta, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Corns on the feet are a condition that is similar yet distinct from blisters. Essentially, corns are hardened layers of skin that can form in response to friction or pressure on the feet. Many patients often ask podiatrists to what extent pain can be felt from corns. The answer is complicated, because typically, many people do not feel pain in the beginning stages of developing a corn. However, if a corn becomes more severe as time passes, it may become uncomfortable. When the corn becomes irritated, it often increases the level of pain. In these situations, treatment can be sought to remedy the corn which may bring mild relief. If you are someone that is currently suffering from corns on the feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for more information.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Vivian C. Iwu, DPM from Choice Podiatry Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Osteoarthritis, or OA, can affect the base of the big toe and cause significant pain. This type of arthritis occurs when joints wear down, and bones become exposed and rub against each other. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and a limited range of motion. Walking may become difficult, and neuropathy can develop as OA of the big toe worsens. As with many other foot conditions, pain with big toe arthritis is often worse after periods of inactivity. Sometimes a reactive bone process can happen with OA, where the body will attempt to repair itself by growing more bone. Bony protrusions, called spurs, can then grow on the joint, which heightens pain, causes the toe to stiffen, and can lead to a visible bump or callus on the toe. If you suffer from OA of the big toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist, who can provide options for relief.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Vivian C. Iwu, DPM of Choice Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Marietta, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete's foot is a particular kind of fungal infection that impacts the feet. When an individual has athlete’s foot, they may experience redness and flakiness at the site of infection, which is typically between the toes. Some groups of people might be more susceptible to athlete’s foot than others. For example, swimmers are one such group of people. The fungus causing athlete’s foot thrives in warm, moist environments, like the sides of pools and in shower areas of locker rooms. Additionally, since many swimmers walk around pool sides barefoot, they can easily pick up the fungus that causes athlete’s foot. If you are a swimmer that is looking to prevent the onset of athlete's foot, it is highly suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for more information.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Vivian C. Iwu, DPM from Choice Podiatry Center.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

Statistics show that falls among seniors are the leading cause of death from injury in that age group. For this reason, preventing falls in older adults is imperative. Start with safety-proofing the home. Remove scatter rugs and clear pathways. Improve lighting and remove long wires that can easily be tripped over. Install grab bars and use non-skid mats in bathrooms. Doing exercises to improve balance also can help prevent falls. Wearing shoes with non-slip soles and avoiding walking barefoot are two more preventative measures. Some medication has side effects that cause dizziness or changes to blood pressure, so it is a good idea to discuss alternatives. Having regular vision checkups is important to make sure prescriptions are up to date. Seniors who are frail or have mobility issues may wish to use a device, such as a walker, walking stick, or cane, to keep them upright, especially at night. For more information on methods that may help to prevent falling, it is suggested that older adults and their families seek the counsel of a podiatrist.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Vivian C. Iwu, DPM from Choice Podiatry Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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