A common reason for the condition that is known as cracked heels to develop is having excessively dry skin. This can happen as a result of residing in cold environments, wearing shoes that have an open back, or from standing for the majority of the day. Additionally, existing medical conditions may contribute to the formation of cracked heels. These can include psoriasis and eczema, which are known to cause patches of dry skin. Patients have found mild relief when their feet are washed and dried daily, followed by thoroughly applying a good moisturizer. It may help to file the cracked skin away, in addition to wearing socks that are made of natural materials. If you have cracked heels, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist for effective treatment methods.
If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Lovely Foot Associates, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Cracked Heels
It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.
Ways to Help Heal Them
Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels
If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Johnstown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.
Athlete’s foot is considered to be a fungal infection that is typically present in between the toes, but may spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. Most cases of athlete’s foot may be treated with the use of over-the-counter sprays or creams. However, some patients have found that they develop this condition more than once, and continuously have tried to get rid of athlete’s foot, but it continues to come back. To help avoid getting athlete’s foot, it’s suggested that you are using the appropriate footwear in public places, such as swimming pools, locker rooms, and communal showers. If you find that you are taking the proper precautionary measures, and are still getting athlete’s foot, please consult with a podiatrist who can help treat your condition, as well as give you professional tips on how to avoid it’s development in the future.
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from Lovely Foot Associates, PC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.
What Is Athlete’s Foot?
Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.
Prevention
The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:
Symptoms
Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Johnstown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
If you feel a tingling, burning, or numbing sensation in your feet, you may be experiencing symptoms related to a foot condition known as tarsal tunnel syndrome. With this condition, pain is typically felt in the sole, heel, and arch areas of the foot. Some patients who have had this condition also say they experienced a sensation that feels like pins and needles in the feet. Tarsal tunnel syndrome may develop when the posterior tibial nerve becomes compressed or pinched. Other reasons for its development may include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes. To help alleviate pain, it may be beneficial to perform light stretches that focus on strengthening the calf muscles. For more advice on how to treat this ailment, it’s suggested that you speak with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and professional care.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one of our podiatrists of Lovely Foot Associates, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.
Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Johnstown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Orthotics are known as insoles that fit inside shoes, which may help to provide the necessary support needed for specific foot conditions. They are custom designed for each patient, and the process begins with taking a plaster mold of the affected foot. The necessary adjustments can be made for size, as this will help the insole to fit perfectly inside the shoe. Some of the reasons why patients choose to wear orthotics may consist of correcting an abnormal walking pattern, or to relieve pressure in a portion of the foot. Additionally, orthotics may help to reduce chronic foot pain, as well as improve certain foot alignments. If you would like more information about custom-made orthotics, please consult with a podiatrist who can determine if they are right for you.
If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Lovely Foot Associates, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Are Orthotics?
Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.
Over-the-Counter Inserts
Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.
Prescription Orthotics
If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.
If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Johnstown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Many patients are aware of the benefits of foot massages. These are often performed as foot therapy, which can help the feet to feel better and ease any existing pain. An effective way to begin a foot massage is by gently placing the palms on both sides of the foot, while twisting back and forth. Additionally, having the arches massaged can benefit the bottom of the foot. Flexibility may be increased when the toes are stretched as well. If there is pain in the Achilles tendon region, it may help to focus on massaging that area of the foot. If you would like more information on how foot massages may support general well-being, it is suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist.
Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, one of our podiatrists of Lovely Foot Associates, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Most Common Injuries
People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track.
What to Do When Injured
Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.
During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:
Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.
Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.
Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Johnstown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about Foot Therapy for Sports Injuries
