Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, occur when the skin on the heels becomes dry, thickened, and eventually splits. This condition often results from a lack of moisture and pressure on the fat pad under the heel, causing the skin to expand and crack. Symptoms of cracked heels include dry, rough skin, visible splits or fissures, pain while walking, and, in severe cases, bleeding or infection. Risk factors for developing cracked heels include prolonged standing, walking barefoot, wearing open-backed shoes, obesity, and certain skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Additionally, environmental factors such as cold weather and low humidity can also contribute to this condition. If you have developed painful cracked heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief remedies, which may include prescribed medication.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Richard T. Bauer from Summit Foot & Ankle. Our doctor 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 Latham, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Chronic ankle pain refers to persistent discomfort in the joint that lasts for an extended period and may interfere with daily activities. Symptoms include ongoing pain, difficulty walking, foot swelling, and visible bruising. Many individuals also experience a limited range of motion, making it hard to move the ankle freely or bear weight comfortably. Several conditions can contribute to chronic ankle pain, such as tendonitis, where the tendons become inflamed due to overuse or injury. Arthritis is another common cause, leading to joint stiffness and swelling over time. Additionally,  ankle instability, often the result of repeated sprains or weakened ligaments, may cause the joint to feel wobbly or prone to giving way. Chronic ankle pain often causes difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can start you on a comprehensive treatment plan.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Richard T. Bauer from Summit Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

The feet can reflect underlying liver conditions through several noticeable changes. Yellowing of the skin and nails, known as jaundice, is a common sign of liver dysfunction and may first appear subtly in the toes or soles. Swelling in the feet and ankles can result from fluid buildup when the liver is not processing fluids properly. The appearance of spider veins on the feet or lower legs may also indicate poor liver function due to changes in blood flow. Itchy feet can be caused by a buildup of bile salts in the bloodstream, often linked to liver issues. Clubbing of the toes, where the tips become rounded and the nails curve downward, may point to long-standing liver disease. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide appropriate treatment and discuss the connections between possible liver issues.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Dr. Richard T. Bauer from Summit Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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