Why Women Are Silently Disfiguring Their Body

Doctors say the human foot was perfectly designed to balance our weight, but certain elements can send our feet into distress, like ill-fitting shoes, and extreme stress. According to expert foot doctors Blue Springs MO women are most likely to be affected because of high-heeled shoes, and may develop an affliction called Morton Neuroma, also referred to as Morton’s Syndrome. 

What Is Morton’s Neuroma and How Will It Affect My Feet? 

When a specific nerve in the foot is repeatedly irritated, it creates a thickening around itself in an attempt to offer protection. This new tissue further compresses the nerve, triggering pain. The neuroma is formed more often between the third and fourth toe, and inside the sole of the foot, but it can also affect the space between the second and third toe or affect both feet simultaneously. 

It is a “benign” disorder that becomes more and more annoying, leading to an inexorable change in daily habits and lifestyle. Every kind of imperfection of the foot has been blamed for Morton’s Syndrome, from hammer toes to having flat feet. But experts say in short, everything can provoke a neuroma and nothing can be done to prevent it. 

Compression or pressure on the feet, such as may occur with tight footwear or unilateral athletic load places pressure of the foot nerves, resulting in tingling, stinging, burning and numbness or pain that radiates to the toes. And doctors point out, when shoes are removed the pain typically subsides. 

Could Your Shoes Be Disfiguring Your Feet? 

Doctors say the shoes you choose could cause disfigurement, especially high-heels, which can be particularly risky. And feet are not the only ones affected, but ankles, knees and even posture are put to the test. When you wear heels, you push the center of gravity forward and you’re mis-aligning the spine, bringing an excess of weight on the front of the foot. 

Experts say replace stilettos with thicker heels, which distribute the weight more evenly and make the feet much more stable. Although, in general, high heels can put the sole of the foot under strain, if you choose larger heels they can reduce the risk of tripping because they diminish instability to a minimum. It’s not a perfect solution because higher heels still push the center of gravity forward, however, experts say, if you must wear heels, try choosing a thicker one. 

Whether they are tall or medium, the heels generally cause a painful knot on the back of the heel, because of the rigid material which the shoe is made of presses on a bone. That constant pressure on the back of the heel usually results in blisters, and sometimes bursitis. It’s recommended to use ice, and a change of shoes with inserted silicone pads which can instantly offer pain relief. 

Which Treatment Relieves These Foot Ailments? 

Treatment varies for different ailments affecting the feet. In the case of Morton’s Neuroma, A first approach consists in injecting a local anti-inflammatory anesthetic right at the site of the neuroma. It usually reduces the pain for several months, and then you’ll return for another shot. This technique, however, treats the painful symptoms, not the neuroma. Doctors point out the best alternative is changing your shoe habits. It’s less painful, less complicated to implement, and you diminish the risk of deformities.