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High Heels, Big Problems

Throughout the Chicago area, restaurants and offices are reopening. Men and women are returning to work and enjoying occasional evenings out as restrictions ease. That’s the good news. The bad news is that, as many people begin to dress up and wear their more formal shoes again, podiatrists expect a rise in three common foot deformities associated with rigid and high heel shoes. Cook County podiatrist Dr. Stavros O. Alexopoulos recommends you protect yourself in two ways. One, save these shoes for special occasions. For everyday use, choose a pair of sensible shoes that offer comfort, support, and stability. Two, learn more about these foot health issues and become familiar with their signs.

  • Hammertoes: Squeezing toes into the front of uncomfortable shoes over a long period, causing the tendons that connect them to the rest of the foot to shorten. You might notice a toe that rises up and out of line with the others, one that straightens and won’t curl, or one that curls and won’t straighten. Any of these can be a hammertoe.
  • Bunions: Those pumps can force the bones of the foot out of place. A hard, red bump where the big toe joins the inner edge of the foot may indicate that a bunion is forming. Be alert to similar bumps on the smaller toes. These are called bunionettes or tailor’s bunions.
  • Haglund’s deformity: Frequently called “pump bump,” this is a hard, painful bump that forms where the Achilles tendon joins the back of the heel.

These issues are characterized by redness, swelling, and discomfort wearing shoes, standing, walking, or running. Report any changes in the shape of your feet to your podiatrist right away. With years of specialized training and experience, your foot doctor is the best-qualified medical professional to diagnose and treat any issue related to your feet, ankles, or lower legs.

Schedule a convenient appointment with Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM, in My Chicago Foot Expert’s modern, comfortable Ravenswood office today. Call our friendly staff at (773) 561-8100 or click here to get started.

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