Wearing high heels may enhance a woman’s appearance, but prolonged use can negatively impact her foot health. High heels shift the body's weight forward, increasing pressure on the forefoot and altering posture. This unnatural positioning forces the lower body forward and the upper body backward, leading to muscle strain and discomfort. The higher the heel, the greater the stress placed on the bones, tendons, and joints. Gait is also affected, as the foot is prevented from rolling naturally from heel to toe, causing additional strain on the knees, hips, and lower back. Over time, these changes can contribute to foot deformities like bunions, hammertoes, and neuromas, as well as conditions like Achilles tendonitis and osteoarthritis. High heels also reduce stability, increasing the chances of a sprained ankle or fall. A chiropodist can assess your foot structure, provide guidance on supportive footwear, and recommend treatments for pain or deformities caused by high heels. If you have foot pain from wearing high heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist.

High heels have been in style for centuries, but unfortunately, they have also been damaging feet for centuries. If you would like to learn more about how high heels can hurt your feet, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

High heels can cause a variety of problems, including:

• Foot and ankle pain

• Foot and ankle injuries

• Toe pain and deformities 

• Gait abnormalities

• Achilles tendonitis 

• Changes in posture

• Difficulty balancing

• Leg, hip, and back pain

If you are reluctant to abandon your high heels, you can still wear them, but should take measures to minimize damage to your feet: 

• Wear shoes with heels no higher than 2 inches

• Choose properly fitted shoes

• Choose shoes with a wide toe box

• Wear high heels infrequently 

• When wearing high heels, take them off periodically to stretch and relax your feet 

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

Arthritis in the feet can start subtly, but early recognition is key to managing symptoms and preventing further joint damage. One of the first signs is persistent stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity. Swelling around the joints, particularly in the toes, ankles, or the ball of the foot may occur. Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest is another common early symptom. Some people experience tenderness when pressing on affected areas or difficulty walking due to joint discomfort. Over time, the range of motion may decrease, making it harder to bend or flex the foot. You might also develop a grinding sensation or hear clicking sounds when moving your foot. If you notice these signs, it is suggested that you see a chiropodist for an evaluation and personalized treatment plan.

Osteoarthritis in the feet or ankles can be a painful and disabling condition that may interfere with your daily activities. If you have arthritis, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is Osteoarthritis? 

Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the protective layer of cartilage in the joints breaks down over time. This loss of cartilage causes the bones to rub together during movement, leading to pain and inflammation. Osteoarthritis is associated with aging, and often affects the small joints of the feet and ankles. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of osteoarthritis include: 

• Joint pain

• Joint stiffness

• Swelling in or around the joint

• Restricted range of motion

• Difficulty walking

Diagnosis

Osteoarthritis can be diagnosed through physical examination. You may also need to have an X-ray taken to assess the extent of the damage caused by arthritis. 

Treatment

Treatment for osteoarthritis focuses on reducing symptoms and improving the function of the affected joints. Conservative treatments include oral pain medications, orthotic devices, bracing or immobilizing the affected foot or ankle, steroid injections into the affected joint to reduce inflammation, and physical therapy. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary. 

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

Poorly fitting shoes are a common cause of foot pain and structural deformities. Footwear that does not accommodate the natural shape of your foot can contribute to the formation of bunions, hammertoes, corns, and calluses. Since most shoes are manufactured with limited shape variations, many people unknowingly wear improperly fitted footwear. Foot morphology refers to the unique shape and structure of a person’s foot, including length, width, arch height, and toe alignment. These characteristics vary widely, and they must be considered when selecting shoes. Improper fit affects function, meaning shoes may fail to provide proper support, stability, and pressure distribution. Studies suggest that many people wear shoes that are too tight or too short, which can lead to long-term foot complications. Measuring both foot length and width while standing is recommended for accurate sizing, as weight-bearing changes foot dimensions. A chiropodist can assess your foot structure, provide guidance on proper footwear selection, and recommend solutions for footwear-related problems. If you need guidance on managing existing foot problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist.

Finding the right shoes for you can ensure your comfort and help maintain proper foot health. If you suffer from foot pain and need help finding the right shoes for you, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Tips to Find Great Shoes 

Finding shoes that are well-fitting, supportive, and comfortable can be key in maintaining your overall foot health, but can sometimes seem like a monumental task. 

Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind when shopping for shoes. 

• Shop in a brick and mortar store - Your shoe size can change throughout your lifetime. You will be able to try on shoes before you buy them to ensure a proper fit. A salesperson can also provide recommendations on what shoes best serve your specific needs.

• Try shoes on at the end of the day - Your feet swell throughout the day. By trying shoes on in the evening when the feet are at their largest, you ensure a good fit and shoes that are comfortable all day.

• Have your feet measured - Find the right fit by having your feet measured at the shoe store. A salesperson can help by measuring both feet with a Brannock device to determine your true size. 

• Opt for comfort and support - Some shoes, such as high heels and flip flops, may look great but can cause damage to the feet over time. Look for shoes that have a low heel, adequate arch support, a wide toe box, and are made of breathable materials. 

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

In ballet, the foot plays a critical role in creating beautiful lines and executing precise movements. As dancers move through various positions, the articulation of the foot is essential for proper alignment and fluidity. The foot begins with a natural flexed position, progressing into a pointed position during both plié and tendu exercises. The articulation of the toes and the arch is especially important in pointe work, where the foot must maintain a perfect alignment from the toes up to the shin. Pointe work requires the foot to fully extend while bearing the dancer’s entire body weight on the tips of the toes. Proper foot awareness is essential in maintaining control and preventing injury. A dancer must constantly engage the muscles of the foot, including the intrinsic muscles, to ensure the arches are lifted and the foot remains stable throughout each movement, enhancing both strength and grace. If you are a ballet dancer and have injured your foot or ankle, it is suggested that you confer with a chiropodist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on the importance of practicing effective foot stretches.

The biomechanics of your feet play an important role in your foot health. To learn more, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Foot biomechanics refers to the study of the structure, function, and motion of the feet. The feet and ankles are a complex system consisting of many bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons that work together to move your feet. Understanding the unique biomechanics of your own feet can help you and your chiropodist make informed decisions about your foot health care. This includes decisions about the best preventive measures to avoid foot pain, the best treatment options for various foot problems, and finding the best shoes for your feet. 

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