How Cracked Heels Be Prevented
There are many reasons why the skin on the heels may crack. These can include wearing open backed shoes, standing on uneven surfaces, or not drinking enough water. Additionally, there may be medical conditions that can cause cracked heels, such as diabetes, eczema, or psoriasis. Some people may develop cracked heels from soaking in a bath for long periods, using harsh soap, or possibly from taking extremely hot showers. Patients who are obese may experience this condition as a result of the added weight the feet must endure. Cracked heels may be prevented by washing and drying the feet daily, followed by applying a good moisturizer on them. It is beneficial to drink plenty of water each day, in addition to incorporating healthy foods into your eating regime. Flip flops and sandals are best for the feet while worn in beach and pool areas, but closed shoes can provide better protection while pursuing other activities. If you have cracked heels, it is suggested that you seek the expertise of a podiatrist who can offer you treatment options, which may include prescribed medicine.
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 Lance Greiff, DPM from Great Neck Podiatry. Our doctor 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
- Invest in a good foot cream
- Try Using Petroleum Jelly
- Ease up on Soaps
- Drink Plenty of Water
Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels
- Moisturize After Showering
- Skip a Shower
- Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
- Don’t Scrub Your Feet
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 offices located in Great Neck Bronx, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Solutions for Cracked Heels
Cracked heels may make you want to think twice about showing off your feet in warmer weather. However, cracked heels may be harmful to more than just the appearance of your feet. If deep fissures and cracks develop in your heels, they may make walking and standing painful for you. Additionally, these openings make way for germs to enter through your skin and cause infection.
There are several different causes of cracked heels. One of the most common reasons for this ailment is dry skin. This problem may make your keeps feel rough tight and itchy. Dry skin may be caused by cold air, extremely hot water, harsh soaps, and aging. Skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis may eventually lead to dry skin. In some cases, complications may arise from cracked heels. Some of these complications are a loss of feeling in the heel, cellulitis, or a diabetic foot ulcer.
There are ways you can try to prevent getting cracked heels. One of the best ways to do so is to avoid wearing flip flops and sandals because these shoes increase your risk of drying out your feet. You should also avoid wearing shoes with a tall skinny heel, because these shoes cause your heel to expand sideways. At night, you should slather on a thick moisturizing cream on your feet and then cover them in socks to keep your feet moisturized overnight. Drinking water to stay hydrated is also a good way to ensure that your skin doesn’t become dry.
If you suffer from a severe case of cracked feet, you should make an appointment with your podiatrist to see what treatment methods are best for you.
Be Mindful Of Your Feet While Wearing Flip-Flops This Summer
Although flip-flops are popular for the summer, it's important to walk carefully while wearing them. Flip-flops have little to no foot support, which can further lead to a potential injury if not careful.
What Is the Brannock Device?
One of the most effective methods of measuring the feet is by using a Brannock device. It was invented in 1925 by Charles Brannock, and has improved traditional foot-measuring techniques. This device is described as a base plate that has graduated markings. The foot is placed on this plate and the length and width of the foot can be accurately measured. This device can also measure the distance from the heel to the ball of the foot. The Brannock device was widely used among various military branches to ensure that enlisted men and women wore the correct shoe size. This measuring tool is generally found in the majority of shoe stores. People who purchase their shoes online may not have access to this device, and will often use other methods of obtaining an accurate foot measurement. If you would like to learn more about the Brannock device and other techniques of measuring the feet, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can provide you with the information you are seeking.
Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Lance Greiff, DPM from Great Neck Podiatry. Our doctor 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 offices located in Great Neck Bronx, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Getting the Right Shoe Size: To Keep Your Feet Happy
People are constantly wearing improperly-fitting shoes. Though it isn’t hard, picking the right shoes does require keeping a few things in mind.
Shoe stores have rulers so you can get an exact measurement of your feet. Be sure to always measure your feet with your shoes on. Measuring just your foot will give you a shoe size that is 1-2 inches too small for picking the right size shoe.
To ensure that your toes won’t be cramped, make sure there is wiggle room. Approximately one inch should be between your toes and the tip of your shoe. It is easy to tell if your shoes are too tight, because you will start to experience pain, blisters, and swelling.
Additionally, do not always assume your shoe size will be the same at every store. Manufacturers sometimes run differently, and your size will vary from brand to brand. Make sure the stores you purchase from have return policies, in case there is a problem.
Rather than shoe shopping in the morning, it is advised to shop for shoes later in the day. Your feet will swell as the day passes. If shoes are purchased in the morning, they may not be as snug as they should be. Furthermore, not all two feet are the same size. Therefore, accommodations may be necessary.
An overall concern in buying shoes is making sure they are comfortable and supportive. There is no such thing as a shoe being ‘broken in’. If they are uncomfortable at the store, they likely will always be uncomfortable.
Since we do a lot of walking, it is important that we pick the right shoes. Our feet will benefit from this, and we will be happier and healthier because of it.
Sore and Swollen Feet During Pregnancy
Many women experience discomfort during their pregnancy, and their feet are often affected. Foot pain and swelling often happen in the second or third trimester, making it difficult to complete daily tasks. The noticeable weight gain may cause plantar fasciitis to develop, as a result of the extra weight the heel and arches have to bear. This is a condition that targets the plantar fascia and causes it to become torn or inflamed. Edema is the medical term for swollen feet and is common among pregnant women. It happens from the extra fluids that the body naturally produces to support the growing fetus, and may pool in the feet and ankles. Foot pain may be managed by performing daily stretches which can help to increase blood flow and diminish soreness. Swollen feet may be helped by reducing sodium intake, and drinking plenty of water daily. If your pregnancy causes you to have foot pain or swollen feet, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can offer you additional relief options.
Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Lance Greiff, DPM from Great Neck Podiatry. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?
One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward. This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.
Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages.
How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?
- Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
- Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
- Wear shoes with good arch support
- Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
- Elevate feet if you experience swelling
- Massage your feet
- Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Great Neck Bronx, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Pregnancy and Foot Health
Many pregnant women complain about foot pain while they are expecting. Foot pain can primarily be caused by weight gain and hormonal changes taking place in the body. By understanding how pregnancy impacts the health of a woman's feet, a pregnant woman can take action to keep her feet as healthy and comfortable as possible.
Because a woman's weight changes during pregnancy, more pressure is brought to bear on both the legs and the feet. This weight shift can cause two major foot problems: over-pronation, also known as flat feet, as well as edema, which is swelling of the feet. Over-pronation occurs when the arch of the foot flattens, causing the foot to roll inwards when the individual is walking, and can aggravate the plantar fascia tissues located along the bottom of the feet. If these tissues become inflamed, a pregnant woman can experience pain in the heel of the foot as well as severe foot pain while walking or standing. Swelling of the feet, or edema, often occurs in the later stages of pregnancy. It is caused by slow circulation and water retention, and may turn the feet a light purple color.
To keep feet in good health and prevent over-pronation, pregnant women should avoid walking barefoot and be sure they are wearing shoes that offer good arch support. A device known as an orthotic can be added to regular footwear in order to provide additional support for the feet during pregnancy. Any expectant mother whose feet hurt should first check to see if the shoes she is wearing are old, worn out and not offering the proper support necessary for distributing the weight of her body during pregnancy.
To treat edema of the feet, a good start is to wear quality footwear which offers support and good circulation. Keep feet elevated whenever possible by using a foot stool while seated. Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water to prevent water retention in the feet. Any swelling that occurs in only one foot should be examined as soon as possible by a doctor.
Good foot health during pregnancy can help expectant mothers avoid foot pain that leads to other health problems. Massaging the feet and doing regular gentle exercise like walking aids foot health by contributing to good circulation. Supportive shoes are also a good investment that will support foot health during pregnancy.
Dealing With Flat Feet
Flat feet, also termed pes planus, is a condition where the arch of the foot collapses and the bottom of the foot lies flat on the ground. Three common types of flat feet are flexible, rigid, and adult-onset. Flexible flat feet are the most common, where the arch is visible while sitting, but disappears when weight is taken off of the foot. It affects both feet and gradually worsens with age. With rigid flat feet, the foot arch is missing in all conditions. The feet may become painful and it may be difficult to flex the foot or even move it from side to side. This may affect one or both feet. Adult-acquired, or fallen arches, occurs when the arch suddenly collapses. This problem commonly affects only one foot, and is frequently the result of an injury to the tendon that supports the arch. Certain conditions can bring on the occurrence of flat feet, including Achilles tendon injuries, broken bones, obesity, and pregnancy. To manage flat feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer treatment options.
Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Lance Greiff, DPM from Great Neck Podiatry. Our doctor 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 offices located in Great Neck Bronx, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Flat Feet
Flatfoot is a foot condition in which the arch of the foot has either partially or totally dropped or has never developed. While it is common in babies and small children, it can become a problem for them in adulthood if the arch never forms. For adults, the development of flat feet can be brought upon by injury, as a result of pregnancy due to increased elasticity, or obesity. Those who have health concerns such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes may also be at greater risk for developing the condition.
If you suspect that you have flat feet, it is best to consult your podiatrist. Your foot doctor will examine the suspected foot and observe how it looks while you sit and stand. He or she may take an X-ray to determine how serious the condition is. Some common signs of flatfoot include toe drift, in which the toes and front part of the foot point outward, a short Achilles tendon, and a heel that tilts outwardly while the ankle tilts inward.
Once flatfoot has been diagnosed, your podiatrist may suggest one of several treatment options. Flat feet can be rigid, in which the feet appear to have no arch even when the person is not standing; or flexible, in which the person appears to have an arch while not standing, but once standing the arch disappears. Those with flexible flatfoot may be told to reduce any activities that cause pain and to avoid extended periods of walking or standing. Another suggestion may be weight loss, as excessive weight may be placing pressure on the arches
In few cases, if the condition is severe and all other methods have been exhausted surgery may be required. This is normally avoided, however, due to a lengthy recovery time and high cost.
Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma
The nerve found between the third and fourth toes can be affected by a foot condition known as Morton’s neuroma. This is an ailment that compresses or irritates the nerve and is considered to be benign. The majority of patients who develop Morton’s neuroma have severe pain and discomfort, and it can be difficult to walk. Morton's neuroma may be common in women who frequently wear high heels. These types of shoes have limited room in the toe area and this can cause the toes to shift toward each other, affecting the nerve. The pain is often felt in the ball of the foot and can be noticed while standing and walking. Additionally, a burning or tingling sensation can affect the toes, and it may feel like there is a small pebble in the shoe or sock. If you have pain in this area of your foot, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can perform a diagnosis and offer the proper treatment options.
Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Lance Greiff, DPM of Great Neck Podiatry. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.
Morton’s Neuroma
Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.
What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?
- Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
- Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
- Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities
Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Great Neck Bronx, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
