Wearing high heels alters the natural alignment of the foot and affects overall biomechanics. The elevated heel shifts body weight forward, placing excessive pressure on the forefoot and toes. This can lead to conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, and metatarsalgia, or ball of the foot pain. The gait cycle is also affected, as the shortened heel contact phase reduces shock absorption and stability. Over time, muscles and tendons may become strained, and posture may shift to compensate for the imbalance. These changes can lead to discomfort in the feet, knees, hips, and lower back. A podiatrist can assess these issues, provide supportive footwear recommendations, custom orthotics, and strategies to minimize long-term damage caused by frequent high heel use. If you have developed foot pain from wearing high heels, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can provide relief tips.

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 Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 offices located in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Not all foot and ankle pain is caused by an injury. Several medical conditions can lead to discomfort without any recent trauma. Osteoarthritis is one common cause, where the cartilage in the ankle joint wears down over time, resulting in pain and reduced movement. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease, can lead to joint swelling and stiffness, often affecting the ankles and feet. People with flat feet may experience ankle pain due to the collapse of the foot’s arch, which places stress on nearby joints. Achilles tendinopathy is another source of pain, involving inflammation or damage to the large tendon at the back of the ankle. Bursitis occurs when small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the ankle become inflamed. Pain can also result from joint infections or gout, a condition where uric acid builds up in the joint, especially in the toes and ankles. A podiatrist can help diagnose the underlying cause of your ankle pain and provide appropriate medical treatment. If you experience sudden or unexplained ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that often affects the feet, particularly the big toe joint. It is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream, which forms sharp crystals in the joints. This buildup can result from genetics, eating foods high in purines like red meat and seafood, alcohol consumption, or underlying medical conditions such as kidney disease. Symptoms of gout include sudden, intense pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the affected joint. The pain may come on overnight and feel like a burning or stabbing sensation, making it difficult to walk or even wear shoes. A podiatrist can help manage gout by diagnosing the condition, reviewing your medical history, and possibly ordering blood tests or joint fluid analysis. Treatment includes anti-inflammatory medications, dietary guidance, custom orthotics to relieve joint pressure, and long-term management strategies to prevent future flare-ups. If you are experiencing painful gout, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 offices located in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet are low or absent, causing the soles to make full contact with the ground while standing. Flat feet may be present from childhood or develop later from weakened tendons, ligament injuries, fractures, or arthritis. Some people with flat feet have no symptoms, but others experience aching in the arches, heels, ankles, or discomfort that extends to the knees and lower back. A podiatrist can diagnose flat feet by examining foot posture and gait, and may use imaging tests to evaluate the bones and soft tissues. When flat feet cause pain, medical treatment options include wearing custom orthotics or specially designed supportive footwear to reduce strain. In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended to strengthen or realign the affected structures in the feet. Early medical care can help manage symptoms and prevent further complications. If flat feet are disrupting your daily activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment options.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors 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 our offices located in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot problems in the elderly are often worsened by aging-related changes and chronic conditions. Poor circulation is a common issue, reducing blood flow to the feet and causing symptoms like coldness, swelling, and slow-healing wounds. Arthritis, especially osteoarthritis, can lead to painful joint stiffness and deformities in the feet, making it difficult to walk or stand for long periods. Decreased pain sensation, often due to nerve damage, means that injuries or infections may go unnoticed, increasing the risk of complications. Diabetes is another significant risk factor, as it can lead to neuropathy, poor circulation, and an increased likelihood of developing ulcers or infections. If you are elderly and have noticed any changes to your feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can find effective relief and treatment solutions.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.