Items filtered by date: September 2023

Wearing high heels can have serious consequences for your feet and overall well-being. While they may not be the most comfortable footwear, they are occasionally a desired shoe choice. Beyond the immediate discomfort, high heels can lead to several issues including foot and ankle injuries, arthritis, and aggravation of existing foot problems. These can include bunions, hammertoes, and an altered gait. To mitigate these issues, it is important to wear high heels in moderation, stretch regularly, and consider various foot therapy practices, such as reflexology and foot soaks. Choosing more supportive footwear is the ultimate cure for high-heel troubles. If you have foot or ankle pain associated with wearing high heels, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist, the health care expert of the feet and ankles.

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 Prince William Foot & Ankle Center, PC. Our practitioners 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 Gainesville and Dulles, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

When it comes to choosing the right shoe size while online shopping, there are guidelines to avoid sizing mishaps. It is wise to measure your foot each time you buy from a new brand. To measure your foot accurately, stand on a flat surface with your heels against a wall. Place a ruler on the floor beside the inside of your foot from heel to toe. Position an object with a flat edge at the tip of your longest toe. Measure the length in centimeters where the flat edge crosses the ruler. When using size conversion charts, centimeters are used, as these charts are metric-based. In general, if you have shopped for a particular brand before, order your normal shoe size unless you have a wider foot or wear a half size, in which case, you might have to go up a half size. Account for brand differences as different shoe brands may have slight variations in sizing. By following these steps, you can confidently choose the right shoe size when shopping online, avoiding the frustration of returns, and ensuring a comfortable fit for your footwear. If you have additional questions about how to find the right size shoes for your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss this further.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Prince William Foot & Ankle Center, PC. Our practitioners will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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

Our homes are our sanctuaries, places of comfort and security. However, they can also harbor hidden hazards that pose risks of falls, especially for children and older adults. Safeguarding your home from falls is essential for ensuring the well-being of your family. Effective fall prevention techniques can begin with good lighting. Adequate illumination in hallways, staircases, and entryways helps everyone navigate safely. Placing non-slip mats and rugs can prevent slipping on slick surfaces, such as bathroom tiles or hardwood floors. Installing handrails on staircases and in bathrooms can help to provide support, especially for those with mobility issues. Keeping walkways clear of clutter and making sure cords and cables are neatly tucked away may help to avoid tripping. Additionally, it is beneficial to regularly check and maintain the condition of flooring and stairs, and repair any loose or damaged areas promptly. By implementing these measures, you can create a safe haven, free from fall-related risks in your home. Falling can affect the feet, possibly causing daily activities to be compromised. If you would like additional information about effective fall prevention strategies, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist. 

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Prince William Foot & Ankle Center, PC. Our practitioners will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

Our feet, the unsung heroes of daily life, deserve more attention than we often give them. Incorporating simple everyday foot care habits into our routines can go a long way in ensuring their comfort and health. Starting with hygiene, washing your feet daily with warm water and mild soap keeps them clean and fresh. Drying them thoroughly, especially between the toes, prevents fungal infections. Moisturizing regularly prevents dryness and cracking, aiding in overall comfort. Trimming toenails straight across and not too short prevent ingrown nails. Opting for well-fitting, breathable footwear provides support and minimizes discomfort. Elevating your feet whenever possible can help to reduce swelling and promote circulation. Practicing these straightforward yet effective methods can lead to happy, pain-free feet that support you every step of the way. If you would like more information about effective everyday foot care tips, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with the knowledge you are seeking.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Prince William Foot & Ankle Center, PC. Our practitioners 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 offices located in Gainesville and Dulles, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.