Items filtered by date: August 2023

Cracked heels are a common foot ailment stemming from dry and thickened skin around the heel edge. While they often cause cosmetic concerns, they can also trigger discomfort and pain. When left untreated, cracked heels may even lead to infection. Studies indicate that among adults who have encountered cracked skin on their feet, women report the condition more frequently than men. Deep cracks can be painful and bleed, particularly while standing. Obesity, wearing ill-fitting shoes, and prolonged standing can contribute to developing cracked heels. The skin's lack of moisture and decreased elasticity, especially under the heel's fat pad, can worsen the situation. Additional culprits include wearing open-back or poorly fitting shoes, friction, improper gait, and dry, cold weather. Additionally,  athlete's foot, fungal infections, and heel spurs can significantly contribute to getting cracked heels. Countermeasures involve moisturizers, keratolytic creams, cotton socks, and liquid bandages. If soreness, redness, swelling, or severe pain from cracked heels persists for days, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for a consultation and treatment.

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 ABC Podiatry. 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

• 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 office located in Columbus, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A stress fracture of the foot is a hairline crack in the bone that begins with minor pain and weakness. This type of injury is common among runners because of the force endured on the metatarsals. Eventually, the discomfort may deepen, spreading to the leg or hip, and become nagging and bothersome. Foot stress fractures can be difficult to diagnose because they can mimic a mild sprain. However, if untreated and regular activities like walking or running continue, the pain can intensify and inhibit normal movement. Unlike complete bone breaks, stress fractures often allow for continued activity. Swelling is not a reliable indicator either, as it's usually minimal or absent. Stress fractures aren't usually accompanied by the bruising or discoloration seen in direct impact injuries. Stress fractures come in different degrees, often related to the affected body part. For instance, heel stress fractures are relatively common and typically heal well. If you suspect a stress fracture, it's suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to prevent further complications and promote optimal healing.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from ABC Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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

Your feet are vital for your overall well-being and maintaining an active lifestyle. Neglecting foot care can lead to various problems, making it essential to establish a healthy foot care routine. Proper foot care is particularly crucial for individuals with diabetes to prevent complications. To start, regularly clean, dry, and moisturize your feet. Examine them for infections and trim toenails carefully. Choose comfortable shoes that fit well and avoid wearing high heels for prolonged times. Establish a daily foot care routine, pay attention to symptoms, and seek timely treatment for common foot problems. These can include athlete's foot, nail fungus, warts, blisters, corns, calluses, and bunions. If you would like to know more about foot care essentials or are experiencing a problem with your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to obtain expert advice for everything related to the feet and ankles.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from ABC Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

Blisters on the feet appear to be bubbles that are filled with liquid. This can cause irritation and can easily put a damper on our active lives. Understanding their causes can empower us to take better care of our feet. Foot blisters are small, fluid-filled sacs that form on the outermost layer of our skin, resulting from friction, pressure, or irritation. When our skin is subjected to repetitive rubbing against surfaces such as shoes or socks, it responds by separating its layers and accumulating fluid, forming a blister. Friction is the primary cause of foot blisters, especially when ill-fitting shoes or rigorous activities cause excessive rubbing. Additionally, prolonged exposure to moisture from sweat can weaken the skin's protective barrier, making it more susceptible to blisters. High temperatures can also exacerbate friction and contribute to blister development. By understanding the definition and causes of foot blisters, there are proactive measures that can be taken to prevent them. Properly fitting footwear, moisture management, and good foot hygiene can keep these bothersome blisters at bay, allowing us to stay active and comfortable on our feet. It is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist if you are seeking additional prevention techniques for blisters on the feet.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of ABC Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

Gout is a type of arthritis that can cause severe pain and discomfort. Gout develops due to excess uric acid in the body which leads to the formation of sharp crystals in the joints. These crystals can trigger inflammation and cause intense pain, often affecting the big toe, knees, ankles, and other joints. Several factors can contribute to gout, such as a diet rich in purines found in red meat, seafood, and sugary drinks. Family history, obesity, and certain medications can also contribute to gout. To manage this condition, you must make healthy lifestyle choices, which include eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and drinking plenty of water. Medications can help reduce pain and control uric acid levels. Early diagnosis and proper management are pivotal in preventing gout attacks and potential joint damage. If you experience joint pain in the big toe, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from ABC Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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