High heels are a popular footwear choice in every season, but they can place added stress on the feet and ankles if worn without proper support. This style shifts body weight forward, increasing pressure on the forefoot and affecting balance. Choosing the right shoe shape is important, as styles with a rounded or almond toe box allow for better alignment and reduce crowding of the toes. Opting for shorter heels can also improve stability and make it easier to stay comfortable for extended periods of time, especially when planning to wear heels all night. Selecting supportive footwear is essential for maintaining foot health. Well structured shoes with a wider heel base offer better balance, while closed toe designs can provide added protection when needed. Non-slip soles improve traction on a variety of surfaces, helping to prevent slips and falls. Cushioning and proper fit reduce pressure points and help limit irritation, fatigue, and discomfort during prolonged wear. Taking short breaks, shifting weight, and stretching the feet when possible can also help you wear high heels more comfortably throughout the evening.

Common symptoms associated with improper high heel use include foot pain, ankle instability, and difficulty walking comfortably. Risk factors include prolonged wear, poor shoe fit, narrow toe boxes, and walking on uneven or slick surfaces. Without proper precautions, these issues may lead to sprains, strains, or more serious injuries.

In summary, wearing high heels safely requires thoughtful choices that prioritize balance, support, and proper fit. Paying attention to heel height, shoe shape, and comfort strategies can make a significant difference when wearing heels for long periods. If you have foot pain or have sustained an injury while wearing high heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for relief tips and guidance on the right type of shoes to wear.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Mitchell Barber, DPM from Barber Podiatry . Our doctor 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 office located in Laurel, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toe pain around the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint is a frequent reason patients seek care from a podiatrist. This joint plays a major role in balance and push off during walking. Such toe pain may develop from overuse, arthritis, or pressure from footwear. Common symptoms include aching or sharp pain, stiffness, and swelling. Sometimes it can be accompanied by redness, warmth, and limited motion. The joint may look enlarged or inflamed, and it can feel sore or burning. This is especially true when standing, or bending the toe. Over time, pain may interfere with daily activities and limit comfortable movement. A podiatrist can help by starting with a detailed medical history and physical examination. This can be supported by imaging when needed, to identify the exact cause of the MTP joint pain. Treatment often begins with footwear guidance, padding, or custom orthotics, and may progress to medication, injections, or corrective procedures when appropriate. If you have MTP joint pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Mitchell Barber, DPM of Barber Podiatry . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Laurel, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Toenail fungus is a common infection that can cause thickening, discoloration, brittleness, crumbling, and changes in nail shape, over time. Because several nail conditions can look similar, proper diagnosis is important before treatment begins. A podiatrist may recommend topical medications for milder cases, although these often require consistent use over several months. Oral prescription treatment may be considered for more stubborn infections, particularly when deeper nail involvement is present. In some situations, trimming or thinning the nail can improve comfort and help treatments work more effectively. Severely damaged nails may require partial or complete removal in select cases. A podiatrist will also look for contributing factors such as moisture exposure, shoe fit, circulation concerns, or underlying medical conditions that increase recurrence risk. If your toenails are becoming thick, discolored, or painful, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist to discuss appropriate treatment options.

For more information about treatment, contact Mitchell Barber, DPM of Barber Podiatry . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Laurel, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An ankle-foot orthosis is a supportive brace designed to improve stability, alignment, and movement in the foot and ankle. It is often used when weakness, injury, or nerve-related conditions affect normal walking. People who need this support may notice foot drop, instability, or difficulty lifting the front of the foot during each step. These issues can develop from neurological conditions, muscle imbalances, or trauma that disrupts proper function. Wearing an ankle-foot orthosis helps guide the foot into a more natural position and can reduce strain on surrounding structures. A podiatrist plays an important role by evaluating gait, customizing the device, and ensuring a proper fit for comfort and effectiveness. If walking feels unsteady or limited, it is strongly suggested that you seek guidance from a podiatrist for appropriate care.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Mitchell Barber, DPM from Barber Podiatry . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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