Houston Podiatry News

Are Your Shoes Killing You? The High Heel Dilemma.

Posted on Nov 09, 2011

Are High Heel shoes getting out of hand? The average heel height on women's shoes have gone up from 3 inches to 5 inches over the past few years. Along with that, women's visits to the doctor with foot, toe, and ankle complaints have risen 75%. In our Houston podiatry office, we regularly see women coming through with pain directly related to wearing high heeled shoes.

High heels can directly cause or influence a variety of foot complications. They can influence foot deformities such as bunions and hammertoes. They can cause heel pain, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and pain in the ball of the foot caused by a Morton's neuroma. Studies have also shown a thickening and shortening of the Achilles tendon related to extended use of high heels. High heels also alter the posture and how the body is aligned. This puts excess pressure on the knees and can cause them to break down and become arthritic.

Is the answer to never wear high heels? Absolutely not! But to wear them in moderation is key to allow years of enjoyment in the future. If you find it difficult to wear high heels because of foot pain, call our Houston podiatry office for an immediate consultation.

Tanglewood Foot Specialists

1011 Augusta Dr. Suite 202

Houston, TX 77057

713-785-7881

Houston foot & ankle specialist Dr. Andrew Schneider offers sports podiatry, diabetic foot care, and treatment and surgery of all foot and ankle problems to residents of Houston Texas and surrounding areas. Contact us today for an immediate appointment.