Wearing high heels later in life adds pressure on the forefoot and increases strain on the toes and ankles, which can make balance more difficult and raise the chance of falls. When a heel sits too far back on the shoe and does not line up well with the leg bones, the foot is not properly supported and the ankle can become unstable. A heel positioned more directly under the leg helps improve balance, reduces wobbling, and lowers the chance of injuries. Choosing a shorter or wider heel eases pressure on the ball of the foot, and avoiding very narrow styles for long-term standing helps limit irritation. High heels also shift weight forward, which can lead to aching or burning beneath the ball of the foot. A podiatrist can offer guidance on safer footwear choices and prescribe orthotic inserts as needed. If you are experiencing foot pain or balance problems from wearing high heels, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam 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 Fox Valley Foot and 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 office located in Naperville, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Symptomatic flexible flatfoot in children can cause discomfort, fatigue, and difficulty keeping up with daily activities. Custom-made orthotics are designed to gently support the arch, improve alignment, and reduce strain on a child's growing feet. By providing stability and guiding proper foot motion, orthotics can ease pain and help children move with greater confidence. A podiatrist can assess the child’s foot structure, observe gait, and create personalized orthotics that address specific needs while supporting healthy development. Early care can prevent future issues and improve overall comfort. If your child is experiencing foot pain or showing signs of flatfoot, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist to learn how custom orthotics can support long-term foot health and everyday activity.

Custom orthotics are specialized shoe inserts created to support and align the feet according to each person’s unique structure and walking pattern. They are an effective way to relieve foot discomfort caused by conditions such as flat feet, high arches, plantar fasciitis, bunions, and heel pain. When the natural alignment of the foot is off balance, it can lead to pressure points, strain, and pain that affect how a person stands, walks, and moves. Orthotics work by redistributing weight evenly and supporting the arch to reduce stress on the muscles, tendons, and joints of the feet and lower legs.

Foot discomfort can develop for many reasons, including wearing improper footwear, long hours of standing, repetitive motion, or underlying structural problems. Over time, this discomfort can extend beyond the feet, contributing to knee, hip, or lower back pain. Custom orthotics help correct these issues by improving alignment and promoting more efficient movement. They are made using precise measurements and imaging to ensure the best fit for each patient, providing targeted support and cushioning where it is needed most.

Unlike generic insoles, custom orthotics are durable, medically designed, and tailored to your specific needs. Whether you are managing chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or simply seeking better comfort and stability, orthotics can make a noticeable difference in how your feet feel throughout the day.

If you are experiencing persistent foot discomfort or fatigue, it may be time to have your feet evaluated by a podiatrist. Call our office today for more information or to schedule an appointment.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Naperville, IL . 

Selecting the right running shoes is essential for comfort, performance, and injury prevention. Key considerations include a minimal heel-to-toe drop, which promotes natural foot movement, and adequate cushioning to absorb impact and reduce stress on joints. Proper fit and support help prevent common issues like plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and blisters. It is important to consider individual foot structure, gait, and running style when making a selection. A podiatrist can evaluate your feet, analyze your running mechanics, and recommend shoes or custom orthotics that provide optimal support and alignment. If you have injured your foot or ankle while running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle conditions.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Fox Valley Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

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

Hammertoe is a deformity in which one of the smaller toes bends downward at the middle joint, creating a curled or claw-like appearance. It may look raised or misaligned, and may develop corns or calluses where the toe joint rubs against footwear. Symptoms include stiffness, irritation, swelling, and pain that can make walking difficult. The condition may feel tender, cramped, or sore, especially while wearing tight shoes. Causes include muscle imbalance, arthritis, previous injury, or wearing shoes that are too narrow or too short. A podiatrist can begin by examining the affected toe joint, assessing its flexibility, and identifying any underlying biomechanical factors. Once a diagnosis is made, treatment options include footwear changes, protective padding, custom orthotics, or splinting to improve alignment. In more advanced cases, surgery may be recommended to restore function and relieve chronic discomfort. Because early care can reduce symptoms and prevent progression, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective treatment solutions.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Fox Valley Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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