If you regularly choose high heels to complement your outfit, you’re putting yourself at risk of a wide array of health problems. High heels are notorious for causing foot pain, but did you know that your heels can affect practically your whole body? In addition to bunions, ingrown toenails, and neuromas, high heels can lead to back problems and even headaches. This is because they affect the angle of the lumbar and cervical regions of the spine.

Watch this video to learn more about the many problems associated with high heel use. This doctor explains how these fashionable shoes cause ankle problems, knee pain, and even eye problems.

If you’ve suffered a foot or ankle injury , contact Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists at (281) 242-3338 and ask us how we can relieve your foot pain. Our podiatry clinic is conveniently located in Sugar Land and Houston.

Plantar warts are benign growths on the feet caused by infection with human papillomavirus, also called HPV. Although harmless, plantar warts can be extremely contagious. They may be passed from person to person, as well as transmitted indirectly via handling or touching common surfaces. Plantar warts are common among young children, who may touch playground or school items that have been handled by a child with an HPV infection. Swimmers are also at higher risk for HPV infection and the formation of plantar warts because they may pick up the virus from showers or pool decks if protective footwear is not worn. Plantar warts will disappear on their own; however, you should take care not to walk barefoot to avoid spreading the virus to others. If you are concerned about plantar warts or have questions about other aspects of your foot health, contact your podiatrist to schedule an appointment.

Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists of Sugar Land offer treatment for plantar warts , athlete’s foot, foot and ankle injuries, and more. Contact us by calling (281) 242-3338 to discuss your needs with an experienced podiatrist. You can find more information about foot health on our blog.

Flat feet occur when the arch of the foot is too low while in a standing position. Although the foot naturally flattens somewhat when it bears weight, flat feet retain little or no arch at all, putting the entire sole of the foot into contact with the ground. Flat feet are a common cause of foot, ankle, leg, and back pain due to insufficient support of the body’s weight during standing or movement.

Chronic Muscle Strain

Flat feet are not as proficient at keeping the body stable as feet that have a normal arch. As a consequence, people with flat feet are at a higher risk of developing chronic muscle strain as the muscles of the body are forced to compensate for the foot’s lack of stability. While your body may be able to adapt to your foot’s lack of support during everyday activities, when you increase your activity level by even a small amount, it can cause significant pain and muscle strain.

Leg and Back Pain

Normal feet are designed to keep the entire lower body in the proper configuration when you stand or walk. Flat feet do not provide the same foundation for healthy posture. As the foot collapses toward the ground, the lower legs tend to rotate inward. This inward rotation can affect the entire leg, including the hips, leading to long-term leg and back pain.

Musculoskeletal Problems

Flat feet are a common cause of general musculoskeletal pain and problems. Your body’s balance begins in the feet; when the feet do not provide proper support, it can raise your risk for joint problems caused by poor posture and unnatural gait. Individuals with flat feet could be more likely to experience injury or pain in the feet, ankles, knees, or hips.

Treatment options for flat feet range from custom orthotics to minimally-invasive foot surgery to correct the arch. If you’d like to learn more about the diagnosis and treatment of flat feet, contact your Sugar Land podiatrist by calling Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists at (832) 532-1197 or filling out our convenient web contact form.

EWST, or extracorporeal shockwave treatment, is a treatment option to relieve foot pain caused by plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the ligament connecting the heel bone to your toes becomes injured or irritated, causing pain that can limit your ability to walk or perform daily activities. EWST utilizes shockwaves in the form of sound waves to treat the inflamed ligament, reducing swelling and eliminating pain. The treatment works by stimulating the body’s natural healing processes through targeted application of these shockwaves. While EWST is safe and effective for most patients, talk to your podiatrist if you have a pacemaker or are taking medications that affect blood clotting. The side effects associated with EWST are minor, and may include temporary discomfort, bruising, swelling, or redness in the treated area.

Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists offer EWST as a convenient in-office procedure for the treatment of plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. You can find out more about this effective treatment solution by calling (281) 242-3338. Visit us on the web to explore our full range of surgical and non-surgical treatment options to relieve plantar fasciitis and other sources of foot pain.