Wearing high heels changes the way the body stands and walks. The raised heel pushes body weight forward onto the ball of the foot, which can lead to bunions, hammertoes, and burning pain under the toes. Because the foot is held at an angle, the ankle becomes less stable, and the calf muscles gradually tighten. This makes walking less natural and can cause ankle sprains. Over time, the knees, hips, and lower back compensate for this altered posture, which can lead to aching legs and back discomfort after only a short period of standing or walking. A podiatrist can examine foot alignment, identify pressure points, and determine whether structural changes have developed. Treatment options include custom orthotics, protective padding, and professional care for irritated joints, nerves, or deformities caused by prolonged wearing of high-heeled shoes. If you have foot pain after wearing high heels, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

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 Foot Doctors of Utica. 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 Herkimer, and New Hartford, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails are often described as a simple trimming problem, but the real causes are usually more complex. Nail shape, toe structure, and pressure patterns all influence how a nail grows. Shoes that crowd the toes, repetitive stress from walking or sports, and even subtle changes in gait can push the nail edge into surrounding skin. Over time, the body reacts with swelling, redness, and pain that may worsen without clear infection. Home remedies sometimes mask symptoms while the nail continues to grow incorrectly beneath the surface. Chronic ingrown toenails can also alter how you walk, leading to discomfort elsewhere in the foot. Treatment focuses on correcting the nail growth pattern and relieving pressure, not just reducing pain. If toe pain, swelling, or recurring nail issues persist, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot Doctors of Utica. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Herkimer, and New Hartford, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Intermittent claudication is a common symptom of peripheral artery disease, or PAD, and reflects reduced blood flow to the legs during activity. Intermittent claudication is a tight, aching, or squeezing pain in the calf, foot, thigh, or buttock. It typically begins after a certain amount of walking or climbing but eases with rest. As circulation becomes more limited, pain may start sooner, walking distance shortens, and legs can feel weak or cramp. Advanced PAD can cause pain at rest, cold or numb toes, slow healing sores, skin color changes, or shiny skin, which signals higher risk to the feet. Because several conditions can mimic intermittent claudication, a podiatrist plays an important role in evaluation, vascular screening, foot exams, and coordination of appropriate care. For help dealing with symptoms of peripheral artery disease, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot Doctors of Utica. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Herkimer, and New Hartford, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cuboid syndrome causes pain along the outer portion and bottom of the mid-foot, making walking uncomfortable. It develops when the cuboid bone becomes irritated or slightly out of alignment. Common causes of cuboid syndrome include ankle sprains that shift pressure through the foot, repetitive stress from sports or prolonged walking, and uneven surfaces that strain the mid-foot. Abnormal foot mechanics may also contribute by altering how weight is transferred during each step. Symptoms include aching pain, sharp discomfort during push-off, and tenderness beneath the mid-foot. A podiatrist can perform a thorough exam to evaluate joint position, foot structure, and walking patterns to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment focuses on restoring proper alignment, reducing strain on surrounding tissues, and improving overall foot function. If you feel pain under the mid-foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot Doctors of Utica. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Herkimer, and New Hartford, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.