Teach Your Children Well...To Prevent Foot Pain

I had the opportunity to attend my friends' children's high school graduation this week. The school is a small private school in Houston, TX with a graduating class of 17. It was an inspiring ceremony and I wish my best to all graduates this commencement season.

Of the female graduates, almost all of them were wearing the highest heels I have seen. It hurt me to watch as they walked across the stage to receive their diploma. People ask me what i think of such shoes. My answer is "They're great for business!" At some point these young ladies will have foot issues and I'll be there to treat them.

The most common injury that comes from wearing high heels is a Morton's Neuroma. This is an inflammation of the nerve that travels between the metatarsal bones and provides significant pain in the forefoot.

Treatment for a Morton's Neuroma can include anti-inflammatory medication, cortisone injections, custom orthotics, and nerve sclerosing injections. A recent study appearing in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association also showed the effectiveness of shockwave therapy (ESWT)on neuromas, previously used only on heel pain. There is also surgery to remove the painful nerve, of course as a last resort.

Wearing high heels occasionally is unlikely to provide problems. Habitual use, however, can cause significant trouble. Moms...be sure to tell your daughters...they won't listen to us dads!