According to Baylor College of Medicine assistant professor Dr. Jason Ahuero, women should be sensible this holiday season about how often they wear high heels. Wearing high heels regularly can lead to many foot problems such as foot pain and ankle sprains. Ahuero states that women should not wear heels for long periods of time and they should alternate heel height if they are unable to just wear flats. High heel wearers should also roughen up the bottoms of their heels to avoid slipping during inclement weather. When buying new high heels, Ahuero suggests that women have their foot measured each time, purchase shoes with thicker heels for stability, and to avoid high heels that are uncomfortable to wear. At the end of a day of wearing high heels, elevating the feet as well as icing them may reduce any pain or swelling.

High heels are very fashionable and a necessity to some, but they can cause a tremendous about of harm to the feet and ankles. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Greene Podiatry Associates, Inc. Our doctors will answer all of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet
High heels are popular shoes among women because they are associated with femininity.  Despite their appeal, they can cause many health problems if worn too frequently.
What parts 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.  Also, 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. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Waynesburg and Fredericktown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about the Effects of High Heels

 New York Giants’ veteran linebacker Jon Beason broke his foot during the preseason and has been using custom orthotics and special shoes to rehabilitate the problem. Officials are well aware that Beason is not fully healed yet are planning on sending him back to doctors for treatment before the team plays against the Indianapolis Colts. Many are even taking into consideration that the linebacker should take the rest of the season off to heal and not hurt the injury even more. Taking the rest of the season off will help the entire team as well as allow Beason to prepare and come back stronger than ever for the 2015 season.

Foot orthotics serve a wide range of usefulness when it comes to foot and ankle conditions. If you are feeling discomfort in your feet, contact one of our podiatrists, Dr. Paula Raugellis and Dr. Michael Irvin, of Greene Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can treat your foot and ankle needs.  

What are Ankle Foot Orthotics?

Orthotics are physical aids used to support weak limbs or direct the proper function of limbs. Often they are used to support the ankle and foot. Such orthotics are known as AFOs. AFOs help strengthen the muscles or train them to function in the proper position. AFOs can also benefit muscles that need to be lengthened or loosened.

Why might you need orthotics?

Orthotics are often prescribed when someone is suffering from diseases that affect the musculature, like polio and multiple sclerosis. However, more common conditions like arthritis and stroke, or those that “toe in”, may also require orthotics.
Modern orthotics have improved dramatically from the metal braces of previous years. Many of today’s orthotics are made of lightweight plastics and other advanced materials to provide new levels of comfort and support. Often the orthosis is designed in a rigid L shape that is contoured to the calf and flesh colored.

For more information about Ankle Foot Orthotics, please follow the link below.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office in Waynesburg, PA. We offer the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Foot Ankle Orthotics

 Jenny Strickland, a physiologist at Greenwich University, is a leading voice on Osgood-Schlatters Disease research. Strickland founded the Strickland Protocol for treatment of Osgood-Schlatters and Sever’s Disease. The Strickland Protocol has been selected by major UK football academies as their treatment of choice for those contending with Osgood-Schlatters and Sever’s disease. According to PR Underground, these diseases have affected—and been treated—in four thousand young children globally.

Sever’s disease is common in children and young athletes. If your child has Severs Disease, contact one of our podiatrists of Greene Podiatry Associates, Inc. Our doctors can diagnose provide treatment and healing for the feet.  

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.
Improper pronation – the rolling of the foot during walking or running and obesity are all linked to causing Sever’s disease.

Treatments
Rest – the feet and legs needs rest. In order to speed up any kind of healing time, one should refrain from sports activity.
Medication- over the counter meds will help with inflammation and also reduce heel pain.
One can also purchase shoe inserts which will help support the heel and foot. Heel pain usually diminishes after wearing the supported heel inserts.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Waynesburg and Fredericktown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all of your foot ankle injuries.

Learn more about Sever’s Disease here.

If you have an occupation as a worker that is always on his or her feet, you are probably very familiar with experiencing soreness and pain at the end of the day. Endurance can easily be maintained by considering several important tips. Shoes should be checked to ensure that they offer support, as ill-fitting shoes can contribute to pain and fatigue. When standing, the feet should be planted firmly on the ground with your weight distributed evenly between the two. Take the time to stretch the feet if possible; stretches such as toe curls, toe raises, and toe flexion and extension can help flexibility and reduce stress.

Employees who are always working on their feet should pay special attention to their foot health. If you work on your feet and have foot concerns, consult with one of our podiatrists of Greene Podiatry Associates, Inc.. Our doctors can attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and answer any of your related questions.   

Working On Your Feet
Long periods of standing often times lead to pain and discomfort around the feet. Every day the body undergoes a series of stresses, especially during work. To minimize these stresses on your feet, better shoe choices and proper posture will significantly help. 

Better Choices
A Negative Heel

• This is where the heel is slightly lower than the ball of the foot.

Going Barefoot

• Having your feet crammed into shoes for long periods of time increases pressure. Giving your feet some exposure to air and walking barefoot helps tremendously.

Exercise Your Feet

• A foot workout helps correct movements and stimulates the blood flow and muscles of the feet. Implementing yoga exercises to your daily routine is a good example of this.

Foot Care
Spending a majority of the time on your feet will most likely trigger pain; even more so if you suffer from poor circulation.  Proper footwear and appropriate stretching will alleviate pain and prevent further issues. When your feet hurt, it is best to take care of them right away.

If you have any questions, please contact one of our offices located in Waynesburg and Fredericktown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Working on Your Feet