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High Heels and Foot Health

Wearing high heels regularly can change the shape of the foot by placing excessive pressure on the ball of the foot, shortening the Achilles tendon, and altering natural gait patterns. Over time, this can lead to bunions, hammertoes, arch strain, and overall foot discomfort. Keeping feet flexible and muscles strong is essential to counteract these effects. Stretching the calves and arches, performing toe and foot exercises, and alternating footwear with supportive, low heeled shoes can help maintain mobility and strength. A podiatrist can help by assessing foot structure, recommending exercises, providing custom orthotics if needed, and advising on safe footwear choices. If you enjoy wearing high heels and have developed foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist. This type of doctor can treat various foot conditions, and can guide you on more appropriate 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 Jeffrey Parrett, DPM from Parrett Podiatry. 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 Waxahachie, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
An Achilles Tendon Injury Can Cause Severe Pain

The Achilles tendon is located at the back of the leg near the heel and plays a vital role in foot movement by connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. It enables pushing off the ground while walking or running. The two most common Achilles tendon injuries affecting this tendon are acute rupture and Achilles tendinopathy. An acute rupture involves a partial or complete tear, usually caused by sudden forceful movement, often during sports. It typically results in a popping sound, sharp pain in the calf, swelling, and difficulty walking. Achilles tendinopathy is a chronic condition caused by repetitive stress. Over time, small tears form in the tendon, leading to stiffness, pain with use, and a gradual decline in function. Over-training or increasing speed and distance too quickly can contribute to either condition. Treatment may involve surgery or wearing a boot to stabilize the foot. If you have an Achilles tendon injury, it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist who can help you with this condition.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Jeffrey Parrett, DPM of Parrett Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.
What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?
There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.
Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms
- Inflammation
- Dull to severe pain
- Increased blood flow to the tendon
- Thickening of the tendon
Rupture Symptoms
- Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
- Total immobility
Treatment and Prevention
Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:
- Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
- Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Waxahachie, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Steps Toward More Comfortable Movement

Reliable mobility depends on feet that feel supported, flexible, and free of irritation. Caring for the skin, monitoring nail health, and selecting footwear that matches your activity level all play a role in keeping each step steady. Light stretching for the toes, heels, and ankles can enhance flexibility, while addressing small concerns early prevents soreness that may interrupt daily routines. Conditions such as calluses, cracked skin, fungal infections, and numbness can gradually make walking less comfortable if they are ignored. Many adults also benefit from routine foot evaluations, which help identify changes that may interfere with balance or endurance. When the feet stay comfortable, staying active becomes far easier. If you notice persistent discomfort or difficulty with walking, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for personalized care.
Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Jeffrey Parrett, DPM from Parrett Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Everyday Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.
It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Waxahachie, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Causes and Symptoms of Poor Foot Circulation

Poor circulation occurs when blood flow through the vessels becomes limited, reducing the oxygen and nutrients that reach the feet. This issue affects the feet because they are the farthest from the heart and rely on strong vascular health for proper function. Signs of poor circulation include numbness, tingling, swelling, color changes, and cramping after activity or rest. Common causes include peripheral artery disease, diabetes, and smoking, all of which damage blood vessels and restrict flow. A podiatrist can identify circulation problems through specialized exams and provide treatments that improve blood flow, protect the skin, and prevent complications. If you notice changes in foot comfort or color, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment.
While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Jeffrey Parrett, DPM of Parrett Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Poor Circulation in the Feet
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.
Symptoms
Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
- Pain
- Muscle Cramps
Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.
As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Waxahachie, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
