While typically not as serious as some other conditions, cracked heels can be very uncomfortable for those who have them. Knowing the causes of cracked heels and what to look for allows you to prevent and treat them. Dry skin is one of the most common causes for cracked heels and generally occurs right before cracks develop. Moisturizing your feet will help prevent and alleviate this dryness. Too much pressure on your feet is another cause of cracked heels, so giving your feet a rest and wearing comfortable shoes will help prevent cracks. Athlete’s foot, psoriasis, and eczema can all lead to redness, flaky skin, peeling skin, and cracked heels. Athlete’s foot can typically be treated with antifungal spray. While psoriasis and eczema have no known cures, topical corticosteroids can help mitigate the effects that lead to cracked heels. Finally, for beach goers, sunburn can lead to cracked heels. Aloe Vera creams may also help soothe sunburned skin. If cracked heels lead to pain or do not go away, see a podiatrist for treatment and advice.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center, PC. 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 Millburn, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

While most people spend a good amount of time making sure a new pair of shoes fits, many don’t bother trying to find a good pair of socks. There are many different types of socks, with newer, extravagant types such as synthetic socks being an excellent choice. Of course, selecting the right pair of socks depends on  the activity you’ll be doing as well. Cotton socks are fine for everyday use, while synthetic or nylon socks are good for intense activities where your feet will be sweating. Wool socks are a good choice for winter hiking. Socks should be about a half-inch longer and quarter-inch wider than your foot. Be wary of the material of the sock because some materials can shrink when washed. Finally, never wear dirty socks, as this can increase the likelihood of foot fungi infecting the foot. Quality socks can prevent blister and fungi and provide comfort. When it comes to picking new socks, take your time and make sure they are right for you.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Millburn, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Running back Jeremy Hill of the Cincinnati Bengals recently sustained an ankle injury in a game against the Washington Redskins. It is unknown how severe the injury is or how long he will be out for. Hill has been reliable throughout his career, missing only one game for three seasons. He is also considered to be an effective player who can rush yards. The Bengals have two options for a temporary replacement: Giovani Bernard and Joe Mixon. Both are seen as adequate replacements for Hill while he recovers.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Millburn, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot pain can impact your everyday life and may come in a variety of forms. Heel pain can be debilitating and is often a sign of plantar fasciitis or heel spurs. Pain in the ball of the foot can indicate metatarsalgia, inflammation of the ball of the foot, as well as Morton’s neuroma, which is the thickening of tissue around the nerves. Sesamoiditis, which develops from injuries to the sesamoid bones, can also cause pain in the ball of your foot. Patients who are experiencing pain in the arch of the foot may be suffering from flat feet or fallen arches. Pain in the toes can be caused by a variety of issues including gout, bunions, hammertoes, turf toe, toe sprains or toe fractures.  If you are suffering from foot pain, make sure to consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment method.  

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Millburn, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many people experience heel pain, stiffness, and swelling from plantar fasciitis. Choosing the right footwear, however, can help ease the pain. First off, make sure that the shoes you wear are your size and properly fit your foot. Next, check to see that your toes can move freely and aren’t cramped. Choose shoes that have a good amount of heel cushioning. Socks are also important and shouldn’t be too big; they should be breathable and thinner so as not to take up too much shoe space. Shoes with removable soles allow you to swap soles for a better fit. Arch support is vital and can help prevent plantar fasciitis. Elevated heels in shoes can help distribute body weight away from the back of the foot. Taken together, these tips can help ease the pain of plantar fasciitis. It is important to see a podiatrist who can provide more tips for selecting shoes and alleviating plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Millburn, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.