Podiatry Blog | Podiatrist, Foot Doctor O'Fallon and New Baden, IL

Hazards of Wearing High Heels and Foot Health

Tuesday, 10 February 2026

Wearing high heels can create daily hazards by increasing the risk of tripping and falling due to reduced stability and altered balance. They can be painful by placing excess pressure on the forefoot, tightening the Achilles tendon, and limiting natural foot motion. Over time, this strain may lead to foot conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, and neuromas, in addition to plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, and stress injuries. Pain may also extend to the knees, hips, and lower back. A podiatrist can help by evaluating foot mechanics, treating existing conditions, recommending supportive footwear options, and providing custom orthotics or preventive care plans. If high heels are affecting your comfort or mobility, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle conditions, and guide you on the correct type of shoes to wear.

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 Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. 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 O'Fallon, and New Baden, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Facts About Bunions

Tuesday, 03 February 2026

A bunion is a bony prominence that forms at the base of the big toe when the joint becomes misaligned, and the tip of the toe gradually shifts toward the others. This condition often develops when the foot rolls inward, as seen with flat feet, placing extra stress on the joint, and it can be worsened by wearing tight or pointy shoes that crowd the toes. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, redness, and limited motion of the toe joint that may affect walking and daily comfort. Risk factors include family history, foot structure, and long-term footwear choices. A podiatrist can evaluate the cause, recommend custom orthotics, footwear changes, or advanced treatment options. If you have symptoms of a bunion, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management tips.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

Redness and inflammation
Pain and tenderness
Callus or corns on the bump
Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in O'Fallon, and New Baden, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Do You Suffer From Painful Feet?

Friday, 30 January 2026

Painful deformities, such as hammertoes, can be treated. Stop living with foot pain, and have beautiful feet again!

Why Diabetic Foot Care Exams Matter

Tuesday, 27 January 2026

Diabetic foot care exams play an important role in preventing serious complications for people with diabetes. Ongoing high blood sugar can cause nerve damage and poor circulation, leading to numbness, tingling, burning, or slow-healing wounds. Feet may look dry, cracked, or swollen. Sometimes they develop pressure points and ulcers. Because sensation may be reduced, the feet might not feel pain even when injury or infection is present. A podiatrist can help from the start by performing a thorough exam that evaluates skin health, circulation, nerve function, and nail condition. Early diagnosis allows for timely treatment, such as nail and callus care, wound management, and footwear guidance. Ongoing exams help monitor changes and reduce the risk of infection or ulcers. If you have diabetes and are experiencing foot problems, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in O'Fallon, and New Baden, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Do I Need Walking or Running Shoes?

Tuesday, 20 January 2026

Choosing the right walking and running shoes is essential for comfort, performance, and injury prevention. Walking and running shoes differ in design, cushioning, and flexibility, based on how the foot strikes the ground during each activity. Arch type plays an important role, as high, low, or neutral arches require different levels of support. Gait type also matters, since the way your foot rolls can influence stability and shock absorption. The type of exercise you perform determines the amount of cushioning, responsiveness, and durability needed. A podiatrist can evaluate your arch structure, gait pattern, and activity level to recommend appropriate footwear or custom orthotics. If you have foot pain or are unsure which shoes are best for you, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle injuries, and guide you on the best shoes to wear for your desired activity.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with one of our podiatrists from Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. Our doctors can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in O'Fallon, and New Baden, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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