I just answered a post on Zappos.com which asked this exact question. The answer is yes, and no.
Platform shoes do give you height without some of the problems of heels, but platform shoes have their own set of problems. The human foot is meant to go through a specific pattern of walking called the gait cycle. Shoes should allow normal gait unless there is a specific reason not to allow normal gait.
Normal gait includes the foot bending at the ball of the foot to allow propulsion of the body forward. The toes work in conjunction with the rest of the foot to stabilize while moving forward. Many people with arthritis find that normal propulsion is painful if their joints at the ball of the foot are arthritic. For these people, we recommend shoes that limit motion in that area.
Most of us do not have significant arthritis and have no reason to not allow that normal motion. Any shoe that does not bend at the ball of the foot does not allow normal motion. Most platform shoes fall into this category.
Platform shoes that are made of rigid materials stop the foot from its regular function and force the tendons and muscles to work abnormally. This can cause some muscles to be over used and others to be under used. Tendon pain, inflammation and irritation can occur if this is allowed for an extended length of time. If shoes worn on a regular basis cause the toes to grip the shoe excessively, hammertoes can even develop!
Listen to your feet. Foot pain is never normal and any shoes that cause pain or discomfort when wearing them or immediately afterwards should not be worn for any length of time.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
SHOES!!!!
I am always answering questions about shoes so I thought it was time that I began to write about shoes and how they can help or hurt your feet.
Lets start with everyone's favorite shoes - High Heels!!
High heels are simply not good for your feet! True, women with higher arches can wear them more comfortably and with more stability, but down the road they can cause problems at the ball of the feet. Torn ligaments, inflammation and stress fractures can occur from constant high heel use. Heels over three (3) inches put seven times the pressure on the ball of the foot and that pressure wears out the normal tissue. Many women as early as their late 20's start having problems at the ball of the feet.
I am realistic, however, and know women are going to continue wearing heels. So here is what you need to do:
1) Alternate your heel height daily, even if its from a 4" heel to a 3 1/2" heel. That will change the force on the bones daily.
2) When trying on shoes, get off the carpeted area. You want to see what type of padding the shoe itself gives - not the padding the carpet has!
3) Never wear a shoe that you feel unstable in. Many women sprain their ankles when they wear heels that are too high for them
4) Try to find a heel that is wide if you feel unstable.
5) Go for the kitten heels! Same look as heels but without the dangers
6) Height is an illusion! Stand tall, throw your shoulder back and go for the 1 1/2" heel instead of the 3" heel!
Next up - platform shoes!!
Lets start with everyone's favorite shoes - High Heels!!
High heels are simply not good for your feet! True, women with higher arches can wear them more comfortably and with more stability, but down the road they can cause problems at the ball of the feet. Torn ligaments, inflammation and stress fractures can occur from constant high heel use. Heels over three (3) inches put seven times the pressure on the ball of the foot and that pressure wears out the normal tissue. Many women as early as their late 20's start having problems at the ball of the feet.
I am realistic, however, and know women are going to continue wearing heels. So here is what you need to do:
1) Alternate your heel height daily, even if its from a 4" heel to a 3 1/2" heel. That will change the force on the bones daily.
2) When trying on shoes, get off the carpeted area. You want to see what type of padding the shoe itself gives - not the padding the carpet has!
3) Never wear a shoe that you feel unstable in. Many women sprain their ankles when they wear heels that are too high for them
4) Try to find a heel that is wide if you feel unstable.
5) Go for the kitten heels! Same look as heels but without the dangers
6) Height is an illusion! Stand tall, throw your shoulder back and go for the 1 1/2" heel instead of the 3" heel!
Next up - platform shoes!!
Friday, November 6, 2009
Subtle Injuries That Can Be Devastating
I had a patient on Monday that had the most severe arthritis that I have seen in a very long time. She told me that 18 years ago, she injured her foot in a step class and that the doctor at the time suspected a stress fracture but never found it on x-ray.
This woman had an injury to the middle of her foot that is very often missed by general doctors, emergency room doctors and even radiologists. It is a disruption of what is called the Lisfranc's Joint. It involves many joints across the middle of the foot and if it goes untreated when it first occurs can cause severe arthritis years later.
It is VERY important to see a podiatric physician anytime you have a foot injury or foot pain. Looking at this woman's current x-rays not only showed the arthritis but clearly indicated that this subtle injury had occurred. A podiatric physician would have been able to detect the problem at the time of injury. This woman is now left with severe pain, limited activities and a total change in life style.
This woman had an injury to the middle of her foot that is very often missed by general doctors, emergency room doctors and even radiologists. It is a disruption of what is called the Lisfranc's Joint. It involves many joints across the middle of the foot and if it goes untreated when it first occurs can cause severe arthritis years later.
It is VERY important to see a podiatric physician anytime you have a foot injury or foot pain. Looking at this woman's current x-rays not only showed the arthritis but clearly indicated that this subtle injury had occurred. A podiatric physician would have been able to detect the problem at the time of injury. This woman is now left with severe pain, limited activities and a total change in life style.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
I was just interviewed about neuromas and thought I would write about them.
Each toe has four nerves that supply sensation - two on top and two on the bottom. The bottom nerves of adjacent toes are actually formed by a larger nerve that splits into two at the ball of the foot. Sometimes, the point at which the split occurs gets irritated and inflamed. As a result, the nerve tissue enlargs becomes a nerve tumor. That is a neuroma.
Anything that irritates the nerve can cause a neuroma. Pressure at the ball of the foot from high heel shoes and having high arches are two of the most common causes. Arthritis and bone spurring around the joints that make up the ball of the foot can also cause irritation.
The symptoms of a neuroma can vary greatly depending on the stage of the neuroma development. Early symptoms may simply feel like you are walking on a stone or a lump in the area. More typical symptoms are numbness, tingling or even pain to the two adjoining toes. It is common to have these symptoms at rest or while in bed.
Anything that causes pressure to the area will worsen the symptoms. High heeled shoes put direct pressure on them and narrow shows pinch the neuroma also producing symptoms.
Foot pain is NEVER normal. All too often, people ignore their pain with the hopes of it going away. When pain increases in intensity or is present more frequently or changes in its nature - you are overdue to see your podiatrist! An examination is usually enough to test for a neuroma, but your podiatric physician may also recommend a diagnostic ultrasound or MRI to confirm the diagnosis.
Relieving the pressure on the nerve tumor is the key for conservative treatment. Changing shoes, wearing less narrow and lower heeled shoes can make a big difference. Often, a podiatric physician will use pads and more permanent custom shoe orthotics to control the pressure on the ball of the foot and control any abnormal motion of the foot.
Neuromas can certainly become a chronic problem. Like any inflammed tissue, if the nerve tissue continutes to be inflammed continue to enlarge and will change to include scar tissue and adhesions. Like most foot problems, it is very important to treat this early in its course. Often the nerve tumor can grow to the point that every step becomes painful.
Each toe has four nerves that supply sensation - two on top and two on the bottom. The bottom nerves of adjacent toes are actually formed by a larger nerve that splits into two at the ball of the foot. Sometimes, the point at which the split occurs gets irritated and inflamed. As a result, the nerve tissue enlargs becomes a nerve tumor. That is a neuroma.
Anything that irritates the nerve can cause a neuroma. Pressure at the ball of the foot from high heel shoes and having high arches are two of the most common causes. Arthritis and bone spurring around the joints that make up the ball of the foot can also cause irritation.
The symptoms of a neuroma can vary greatly depending on the stage of the neuroma development. Early symptoms may simply feel like you are walking on a stone or a lump in the area. More typical symptoms are numbness, tingling or even pain to the two adjoining toes. It is common to have these symptoms at rest or while in bed.
Anything that causes pressure to the area will worsen the symptoms. High heeled shoes put direct pressure on them and narrow shows pinch the neuroma also producing symptoms.
Foot pain is NEVER normal. All too often, people ignore their pain with the hopes of it going away. When pain increases in intensity or is present more frequently or changes in its nature - you are overdue to see your podiatrist! An examination is usually enough to test for a neuroma, but your podiatric physician may also recommend a diagnostic ultrasound or MRI to confirm the diagnosis.
Relieving the pressure on the nerve tumor is the key for conservative treatment. Changing shoes, wearing less narrow and lower heeled shoes can make a big difference. Often, a podiatric physician will use pads and more permanent custom shoe orthotics to control the pressure on the ball of the foot and control any abnormal motion of the foot.
Neuromas can certainly become a chronic problem. Like any inflammed tissue, if the nerve tissue continutes to be inflammed continue to enlarge and will change to include scar tissue and adhesions. Like most foot problems, it is very important to treat this early in its course. Often the nerve tumor can grow to the point that every step becomes painful.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Me: in focus for women in Chicago
I just got my issue of
http://meinfocusmag.com/2009/07/body-in-focus-dr-marlene-reid-on-preventing-footankle-injuries/
Me: in focus, the magazine for Chicago women and found myself on page 19! Check it out:
http://meinfocusmag.com/2009/07/body-in-focus-dr-marlene-reid-on-preventing-footankle-injuries/
Thursday, July 23, 2009
What's up with the Media's Interest in Cankles???
The term "cankle" is not a medical term, diagnosis or medical condition. It most commonly refers to thick ankles. The width of these ankles make it difficult to distinguish the normal anatomy of the muscles, tendons and bones of the lower leg. People come in all shapes and sizes and thick ankles may be due to obesity, pregnancy, conditions causing chronic ankle swelling or may simply be hereditary. Exercise directed at the muscles of the lower leg may help define the muscles and thereby reducing the nondescript appearance.
It is however, important to differentiate ankles with this persistent thickness in anatomy from those that develop the condition suddenly or even gradually. Many systemic conditions can cause gradual swelling of the ankles (examples include kidney disease, venous disease and heart disease) and certainly trauma can cause acute or sudden swelling. A deep vein thrombosis can also cause a swollen lower leg and ankle.
A podiatric physician, also known as a podiatrist, should examine any new swelling or thickness to rule out injury, trauma or damage to the tendons in the leg and ankle. Two very common tendons that would cause thick ankles are the Achilles tendon and the posterior tibialis tendon that supports the ankle and arch. Ankle sprains, both old and new, cause thickness around the outside of the ankle. Swelling of the ankles and lower leg is treated frequently by podiatrists using a soft cast, known as an unna boot.
It is also common for women beyond their forties to develop fatty ankles due to fat deposits around and below the ankle. Often, these deposits put pressure on the nerves and can be problematic.
It is however, important to differentiate ankles with this persistent thickness in anatomy from those that develop the condition suddenly or even gradually. Many systemic conditions can cause gradual swelling of the ankles (examples include kidney disease, venous disease and heart disease) and certainly trauma can cause acute or sudden swelling. A deep vein thrombosis can also cause a swollen lower leg and ankle.
A podiatric physician, also known as a podiatrist, should examine any new swelling or thickness to rule out injury, trauma or damage to the tendons in the leg and ankle. Two very common tendons that would cause thick ankles are the Achilles tendon and the posterior tibialis tendon that supports the ankle and arch. Ankle sprains, both old and new, cause thickness around the outside of the ankle. Swelling of the ankles and lower leg is treated frequently by podiatrists using a soft cast, known as an unna boot.
It is also common for women beyond their forties to develop fatty ankles due to fat deposits around and below the ankle. Often, these deposits put pressure on the nerves and can be problematic.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Feet: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
When is Foot Surgery Simply Cosmetic and When is it Medically Necessary
Women – feet – shoes- they are a natural triad, a trinity to some and a piece of modern day life.
Women – feet – shoes- a passion many women have. I hesitate to say most; but certainly many women are fixated on their feet almost as much as their shoes. Most of my female patients evaluate and critique their feet as they would any other body part. Many women feel embarrassed to show their feet and I can’t tell you how many women have told me that they feel as if they are going to the gynecologist when they have to take off their shoes!
Many foot problems are unsightly. Hammertoes produce crooked toes. Bunions and other deformities cause disfigurement. Masses of fat tissue generate bulging of the ankles. Problems with the arch tendon can produce flat feet. Fungus cause thick toe nails.
Many unsightly foot issues become medical problems. Long toes can result in jamming in shoes and eventually produce hammertoes, pain at the ball of the foot and even tearing of ligaments. Deformities such as bunions and hammertoes can cause arthritis. Fat deposits become symptomatic with irritation of the nerves. Flat arches can instill pain, fatigue and tearing of the arch tendon. Thick nails can cause infection.
While most foot problems are hereditary, shoes certainly have a role in the affect they have on our daily lives. This is especially true for women. Women love shoes - although I can’t say that shoes love women! Many shoes inhibit the natural motion of the feet and can contribute to the development of deformities and other foot problems. Nonetheless, women love their shoes and most women will simply not give up the style, look and elegance that their carefully selected shoes provide!
Health feet, desired shoe wear and daily life styles represent a trinity to the sole of many women! Podiatric physicians that are sensitive to these three aspects of life can assist women in making the right choices to satisfy the heart, body and sole!
Treating foot problems is a challenge for many primary doctors, but podiatric physicians are trained in the biomechanics or function of the foot. The weight we bear and steps we take everyday directly influence the conditions, abnormalities and appearance of our feet. And because we walk on our feet, many foot problems are progressive. Usually, conservative treatment is enough to balance these factors and render our steps pain free, but often surgery is needed to correct a problem and/or prevent future problems.
Foot surgery, when performed by a qualified podiatric surgeon, is safe and usually uncomplicated. Foot surgery, of course, carries the same risks that other elective surgeries have, but most surgeries involving the foot get you back on your feet within weeks if not days. Foot surgery is performed for all different problems including those that cause unsightly conditions.
Despite their shoe wear, women are entitled to feet that are healthy, feel good and look great! It is the job of the treating podiatrist to determine which treatments will be most successful. Treatments may involve surgery and it is important to understand the risks. Surgery has a role in the management of foot problems associated with foot structure, shoes and daily life style. Foot health is intimately tied to foot structure and when it comes to the feet, it is often difficult to separate the truly cosmetic procedures from those that are medically necessary.
Women – feet – shoes- they are a natural triad, a trinity to some and a piece of modern day life.
Women – feet – shoes- a passion many women have. I hesitate to say most; but certainly many women are fixated on their feet almost as much as their shoes. Most of my female patients evaluate and critique their feet as they would any other body part. Many women feel embarrassed to show their feet and I can’t tell you how many women have told me that they feel as if they are going to the gynecologist when they have to take off their shoes!
Many foot problems are unsightly. Hammertoes produce crooked toes. Bunions and other deformities cause disfigurement. Masses of fat tissue generate bulging of the ankles. Problems with the arch tendon can produce flat feet. Fungus cause thick toe nails.
Many unsightly foot issues become medical problems. Long toes can result in jamming in shoes and eventually produce hammertoes, pain at the ball of the foot and even tearing of ligaments. Deformities such as bunions and hammertoes can cause arthritis. Fat deposits become symptomatic with irritation of the nerves. Flat arches can instill pain, fatigue and tearing of the arch tendon. Thick nails can cause infection.
While most foot problems are hereditary, shoes certainly have a role in the affect they have on our daily lives. This is especially true for women. Women love shoes - although I can’t say that shoes love women! Many shoes inhibit the natural motion of the feet and can contribute to the development of deformities and other foot problems. Nonetheless, women love their shoes and most women will simply not give up the style, look and elegance that their carefully selected shoes provide!
Health feet, desired shoe wear and daily life styles represent a trinity to the sole of many women! Podiatric physicians that are sensitive to these three aspects of life can assist women in making the right choices to satisfy the heart, body and sole!
Treating foot problems is a challenge for many primary doctors, but podiatric physicians are trained in the biomechanics or function of the foot. The weight we bear and steps we take everyday directly influence the conditions, abnormalities and appearance of our feet. And because we walk on our feet, many foot problems are progressive. Usually, conservative treatment is enough to balance these factors and render our steps pain free, but often surgery is needed to correct a problem and/or prevent future problems.
Foot surgery, when performed by a qualified podiatric surgeon, is safe and usually uncomplicated. Foot surgery, of course, carries the same risks that other elective surgeries have, but most surgeries involving the foot get you back on your feet within weeks if not days. Foot surgery is performed for all different problems including those that cause unsightly conditions.
Despite their shoe wear, women are entitled to feet that are healthy, feel good and look great! It is the job of the treating podiatrist to determine which treatments will be most successful. Treatments may involve surgery and it is important to understand the risks. Surgery has a role in the management of foot problems associated with foot structure, shoes and daily life style. Foot health is intimately tied to foot structure and when it comes to the feet, it is often difficult to separate the truly cosmetic procedures from those that are medically necessary.
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