Items filtered by date: July 2021
Possible Symptoms of Cracked Heels
Wearing flip flops frequently may lead to the skin on the heels becoming dry, causing the condition known as cracked heels. Additionally, cracked heels may form from standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day, or from having specific medical conditions. These conditions may consist of diabetes, obesity, eczema, and psoriasis. Research has indicated it may help to incorporate zinc and omega-3 into your diet which can be accomplished by taking vitamins. Some of the symptoms that are associated with cracked heels can include peeling skin, bleeding cracks, and the affected area may be red and itchy. If you are experiencing any signs of cracked heels please schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this ailment.
Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact the foot specialists from Podiatry Associates of Belleville. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Cracked Heels
Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.
How Do You Get Them?
Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.
Promote Healing
Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.
Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.
Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.
Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin.
Change in Diet
Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.
Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Belleville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Did My Child Break Their Ankle?
Broken ankles in children usually involve an injury from a sporting activity, fall, or other sudden movement or force that breaks, or fractures, any of the bones in the ankle: the two tall bones in the leg (tibia and fibula) and the foot (talus). Sometimes, fractures involve the soft cartilage (growth plate) at the end of the tibia and fibula. A child with a broken ankle may feel pain or warmth in the ankle, or may have a hard time moving their ankle. In some cases, a visible deformity may be visible. A podiatrist can examine and perform testing to ascertain the location, severity, and pattern of the fracture to determine the best course of treatment to ensure correct healing.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact the foot specialists of Podiatry Associates of Belleville. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
- Make sure their shoes fit properly
- Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
- Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
- Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
- Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
- Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
- Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
- Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Belleville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Flat Feet and Running Injuries
If you have flat feet and are interested in running, then the risk of foot and ankle injuries may make you hesitant to take up the sport. People with flat feet are thought to be at an increased risk of developing certain foot problems, such as plantar fasciitis, an overpronated gait, and increased foot and ankle fatigue, due to the shape and biomechanical differences of their feet. Fortunately, having flat feet does not appear to make running-related foot and ankle injuries more likely to occur. Rest assured that you can still run even if you have flat feet, but like any runner, you should take certain measures to help prevent injury. These include wearing comfortable, well-fitted, and supportive running shoes, stretching your feet regularly, increasing the length and intensity of your runs slowly over time, and giving yourself plenty of time to rest and recover between runs. For more information about keeping your feet fit and healthy, please consult with a podiatrist.
Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact the foot specialists from Podiatry Associates of Belleville. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.
Conditions & Problems:
Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.
Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.
Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.
Symptoms
- Pain around the heel or arch area
- Trouble standing on the tip toe
- Swelling around the inside of the ankle
- Flat look to one or both feet
- Having your shoes feel uneven when worn
Treatment
If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Belleville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Gout Pain Can Be Managed
Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tendon that runs along the bottom of the foot, is the most common cause of heel pain. This condition can develop following long hours of standing, walking, running, or participating in sports. In rarer cases, an acute injury to the bottom of the foot can damage the plantar fascia and bring forth early stages of this condition. Having flat or overpronated feet, high arches, wearing ill-fitting and uncomfortable shoes, having tight calf muscles, or being overweight or obese can also cause plantar fasciitis. If you are suffering from heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist near you.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact the foot specialists of Podiatry Associates of Belleville. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Causes of Heel Pain
Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.
Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.
Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.
Why Might Heel Pain Occur?
- Wearing ill-fitting shoes
- Wearing non-supportive shoes
- Weight change
- Excessive running
Treatments
Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Belleville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.