High heels can create many problems for the feet because they force them into an unnatural position. Wearing heels changes the walking pattern and places excessive pressure on the ball of the foot, which can lead to pain, calluses, and inflammation. The raised heel also alters normal gait and can strain the ankles, knees, and lower back. Over time, these changes may contribute to bunions, hammertoes, or tendon issues. A podiatrist can assess the effects of high heel use, provide guidance on safer footwear choices, and offer treatments to relieve discomfort and prevent long-term damage. If you have foot pain from wearing high heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions and guide you on more appropriate shoes to wear to protect your foot health.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Mohammad R. Parsa, DPM from Madison Foot Clinic. 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 Madison, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling. They often result from improper trimming, wearing tight shoes, or injury, and can worsen if infection develops. Early treatment helps relieve discomfort and prevents further complications. Other toenail conditions, such as fungal infections, thickened nails, or nail trauma, can also cause changes in nail color, shape, and texture. These issues may be uncomfortable and make walking or wearing shoes difficult. A podiatrist can safely remove part of an ingrown nail, prescribe medication for infection, or recommend treatments to restore healthy nail growth. Paying attention to nail health, keeping feet clean and dry, and trimming nails straight across are simple steps that help prevent problems. If you have painful or abnormal toenails, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate care.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Mohammad R. Parsa, DPM of Madison Foot Clinic. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

A broken ankle can occur from a fall, sports injury, or twisting motion that causes one or more of the ankle bones to fracture. Symptoms often include severe pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Because breaks can range from small cracks to complex fractures, a professional diagnosis through X-rays is essential to determine the best course of care. Treatment may involve immobilization with a cast or boot, the use of crutches, and rest to allow the bones to heal properly. More serious fractures might require surgical repair with pins or plates to realign the bones and restore stability. Targeted exercises are often given afterward to rebuild strength, balance, and flexibility. If you have sustained an ankle injury with significant pain or swelling, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist promptly for a complete evaluation and appropriate treatment plan.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Mohammad R. Parsa, DPM from Madison Foot Clinic. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

Ankle pain can result from an injury, overuse, or an underlying condition such as arthritis or tendonitis. Because the ankle bears your full body weight, even mild pain can interfere with balance and mobility. Common symptoms include swelling, stiffness, and tenderness that worsen with activity. In some cases, untreated ankle issues can lead to instability or chronic discomfort. Proper diagnosis is key to preventing long-term problems. A podiatrist can assess the cause through examination and imaging, then create a treatment plan that may include rest, targeted exercise, or other interventions to promote healing and stability. If ankle pain is limiting your movement or does not improve within a few days, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and professional treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Mohammad R. Parsa, DPM from Madison Foot Clinic. our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Madison, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.