High Price of Wearing Heels

Recent studies have shown that over the years, wearing high heels can actually change a person's anatomy. It is commonly understood that high heels can cause aching discomfort in feet if worn for prolonged period of time. Heels can also result in numerous types of foot deformities if worn regularly. However, this new research points to the fact that the incline of high heels, which causes calf muscles to tighten, can also cause muscle fibers to shorten and the Achilles tendon to become rigid and thicker. The result? Women who have a history of wearing high heels can experience discomfort when wearing shoes that are flat, such as sneakers and ballet flats.

The experiment that was published by the Journal of Experimental Biology compared two groups of women: one group of women had been wearing five centimeter heels for a minimum of two years and a control group of women who did not wear high heels. The results were surprising! The women who wore heels for a minimum two-years had calf muscle fibers that were 13% shorter than the women who did not wear heels. Additionally, the women who wore heels also had thicker Achilles tendons which was visible to researchers when using an MRI. It is unfortunate that women who have a history of wearing high heels now experience discomfort while wearing flatter shoes which are healthier for feet.

Overall, wearing high heels overtime can be one of the main causes for many uncomfortable conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, and nerve damage. If you are experiencing pain or are concerned about the condition of your feet or ankles, please don't hesitate to give us a call and schedule an appointment (425) 391-8666. We see patients from all over region including Issaquah, Snoqualmie, North Bend, Bellevue, Redmond, Seattle, and Mercer Island. We are conveniently open Monday-Thursday from 7am to 6pm and Friday from 8am to noon.

Shape-Up Shoes

We've noticed that certain shoes like the Sketchers 'Shape-Ups', Reebok 'EasyTone' sneakers, and Fitflops have become increasingly popular. These shoes are all different in appearance, but share a common trait: built-in instability. These shoes come with a rounded bottom, cushions, or other additions to increase instability; manufacturers claim that the instability provides a work-out for the user because it forces him/her to work harder to stay balanced.

While the jury is still out as to whether the shoes can really help facilitate weight loss, the shoes can help relieve foot pain for some. Most of these new shoes provide significant cushion for the wearer. Additionally, the rounded bottom of the shoe encourages users to walk in a 'heel-to-toe roll' which decreases impact stress to the foot.

However, the shoes can also put more tension on the back of the lower leg, especially the Achilles tendon. The rolling motion that the shoes promote can be helpful for feet, but can be hard on the Achilles tendon because it is constantly tightening. Many doctors recommend breaking in the shoes slowly to give the body time to adjust to the new shoe.

If you suffer from foot or ankle pain and live in the Issaquah/Sammamish/Snoqualmie area, give us a call and come in to see us. We specialize in biomechanical gait evaluations. During an evaluation, we discuss where you have discomfort and observe the way that you move to identify specific problems. From this, we are able to prescribe custom orthotics that are made from a cast of your foot. Presciption orthotics can help if you are dealing with a number of issues such as plantar fasciitis, arch problems, and knee pain. Call us to schedule an appointment: (425) 391-8666.

New Summer Newsletter!

Check out the new summer newsletter for Issaquah Foot and Ankle Specialists! Our summer edition features tips to help avoid ingrown toenails and cracked heels. It also provides information about prescription orthotics and advice on how to treat minor foor or ankle injuries. You can view it electronically by clicking the link below:

http://issuu.com/issaquahfootandankle/docs/summer_2010

Pregnancy and Healthy Feet!

Unsuitable footwear is one of the main culprits of foot and ankle pain for pregnant women. A recent study conducted by the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists in the U.K. reports that pregnant women often wear shoes that lack support or have too high of a heel. The study listed ballet pumps, Ugg style boots, and flip flops as the main offenders.

It's important to prioritize your health and comfort during pregnancy - make sure you're wearing shoes that support your feet and minimize your risk of falling. If you are unsure about what types of shoes are right for you, schedule an appointment with us and we can help direct you toward healthy options.

If you're currently experiencing heel or arch pain, do not hesitate to give us a call. We are licensed podiatrists and can conduct a biomechanical gait evaluation to help diagnose why you may be having discomfort. We may be able to help alleviate your pain by prescribing custom-made orthotics or implementing other innovative treatments.

If you live in Seattle, Bellevue, Sammamish, Issaquah, Snoqualmie or the surrounding areas, please don't hesitate to give us a call and schedule an appointment. We are open Monday through Thursday from 7am to 6pm and Friday from 8am to noon. Our office number is 425-391-8666.

Platelet-Rich Plasma

Issaquah Foot & Ankle Specialists has physicians experienced in the application of platelet-rich plasma for foot and ankle pathology. We have been utilizing platelet-rich plasma for more than 2 years and have had great success with both tendinitis and fasciitis. Patients suffering from both acute and chronic conditions benefit from this procedure. The procedure is minimally invasive and often takes less than 30 minutes. Recovery can be much quicker than traditional open procedures. If you have recalcitrant foot or ankle pain, live in Seattle, Bellevue, Sammamish, Issaquah or the surrounding area, you may be a candidate for platelet-rich plasma therapy. To schedule an appointment to discuss platelet-rich plasma procedures please call 425-391-8666.

Adults are not the only ones suffering from heel pain:

Do you have a son or a daughter who is currently experiencing heel pain? At Issaquah Foot & Ankle Specialist we often begin to see heel pain in children as the weather warms and kids become more active. The most common cause is calcaneal apophysitis, inflammation of the growth plate of the heel bone or calcaneus. Children will often describe pain at the sides, back or inferior heel surfaces. If you suspect your child has apophysitis and live in the surrounding areas including Bellevue, Seattle, Sammamish, Maple Valley, Redmond or Issaquah, have need to have this condition differentiated from other causes. Please call us at 425-391-8666 to schedule an appointment. In addition do not forget we are now available for same day emergent care for foot and ankle trauma including fractures and sprains.

Prescription Orthotics

Spring is here and that means for most of us increased activity levels. Quite a few of us will get some aches and pains as we dust off the athletic equipment and begin to have some fun. Do not let lower extremity pain slow you down. At Issaquah Foot & Ankle Specialists we provide prescription orthotics and complete gait evaluations to patients in Issaquah, Bellevue, Sammamish and greater Seattle area. We treat competitive and recreational athletes and can help with that nagging back, knee or leg pain. The orthotics we prescribe are custom molded medical devices, unique to your foot type and pathology, evaluated and fit by a physician.