Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, can be caused by various factors that affect foot health. Diabetes can lead to poor circulation and dry skin, increasing the risk of cracked heels. Hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid does not produce enough hormones, can also cause dry skin and thickened skin around the heels. Skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema can contribute to cracked heels due to dryness and irritation. Fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot, can cause the skin on the feet to peel, crack, and become inflamed. Additionally, a vitamin deficiency, especially in zinc or omega-3 fatty acids, can lead to skin issues, including cracked heels. Keeping feet moisturized, treating underlying health conditions, and practicing proper foot care are essential to prevent and manage cracked heels. Cracked heels can be painful and unsightly. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can successfully treat cracked heels, which often includes prescribed medication.
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 Howard Abramsohn, DPM from Ambulatory Foot and Ankle Associates, LLC. 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 office located in Mt Laurel Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Running is an excellent exercise, but it can lead to various foot problems. Blisters are common, usually caused by friction from wearing ill-fitting shoes or socks. Toenail damage, including bruising or loss, can result from repeated pressure or tight shoes. Bunions are bony bumps on the side of the foot and often develop due to poor footwear or abnormal foot mechanics. Plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammation of the tissue on the bottom of the foot, is common in runners who overuse their feet or wear inadequate shoes. To prevent these issues, it is important to wear well-fitting shoes designed for running, choose moisture-wicking socks, and stretch before and after runs. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury from running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide running injury prevention techniques and treatment.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Howard Abramsohn, DPM of Ambulatory Foot and Ankle Associates, LLC. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
How to Prevent Running Injuries
Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.
What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.
Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Mt Laurel Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Pain on the outside of the ankle is often linked to peroneal tendonitis, a condition caused by inflammation of the peroneal tendons that run along the outer side of the ankle and foot. These tendons play a vital role in stabilizing the ankle and assisting with foot movement. Overuse from repetitive activities like running, jumping, or prolonged standing can irritate the tendons, especially in people with high arches, tight calf muscles, or a history of ankle sprains. Symptoms of peroneal tendonitis include swelling, weakness, pain that worsens with activity, and difficulty moving the foot outward. If left untreated, it can lead to ongoing discomfort and reduced mobility. A podiatrist can evaluate your symptoms, pinpoint the underlying cause, and provide effective treatment options, including activity modifications and bracing to promote healing, preventing further strain. If you have pain on the outside of your ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.
Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Howard Abramsohn, DPM from Ambulatory Foot and Ankle Associates, LLC. 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 Mt Laurel Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Neuropathy is a condition that can lead to numbness or loss of sensation in the feet, but it can also cause pain. This condition is more likely to develop for those who are diabetic, obese, or with high blood pressure.