A condition referred to as cracked heels may often be the result when the skin on the heels becomes thick, dry, and tiny tears or fissures appears. Possible causes for this ailment occurring may include added pressure, generally due to obesity or standing for the majority of the day. If you choose to wear shoes with an open back, the possibility of developing cracked heels increases because the skin on the heels is not protected. Occasionally, skin conditions such as eczema or athlete's foot may play an important role in developing this condition. Additionally, having dry skin will also aid in developing cracked heels. Utilizing a good foot cream when the feet are damp will not only seal in moisture, but make the feet feel good in general. If you have heels with severely cracked skin, please schedule a consultation with a podiatrist for information about possible treatment options that are right for you.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M from Florida. Dr. Klein 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 Saint Petersburg, FL. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

If you’re a disciplined and serious runner, one of the most uncomfortable things that can happen is to endure a stress fracture. This condition is typically frequent among runners, commonly due to the repeated force that’s applied when the foot meets the ground. Runners will often ignore the dull pain when the fracture first occurs, but this will only worsen the condition. There are generally no obvious symptoms for stress fractures, such as bruising or excessive swelling, so obtaining a proper diagnosis may be difficult. Having an MRI performed may possibly be an effective method of determining whether a stress fracture exists, as the pain may be indicative of other ailments that result in similar foot pain. Treatment plans that allow the fracture to heal completely can involve ceasing all running activities temporarily and wearing a walking boot to help with stability. It typically takes 6-8 weeks to completely heal the fracture, and practicing non-impact activities, such as swimming, can aid in the desire for cardiovascular exercise. A consultation with a podiatrist is suggested if you have any questions regarding stress fractures.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M from Florida. Dr. Klein can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

Hammertoe is a foot condition which affects the toes, causing the joints to become deformed. Choosing to wear shoes that fit tightly is often the cause of this condition, resulting in the toes bending into a forced, abnormal position. The shoes will rub on the toe which causes friction, and corns and calluses will most likely develop. Additionally, medical conditions that presently exist, such as diabetes and arthritis, may contribute to the development of hammertoes. There are treatment options available, including splints to realign the toe and orthotics specifically designed to accommodate the affected toe. A consultation with a podiatrist is advised to learn about choosing proper footwear and advice on how to treat hammertoe.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M from Florida. Dr. Klein will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Saint Petersburg, FL. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.