Items filtered by date: November 2023

Cracked heels are not merely a cosmetic concern, their impact can extend beyond the surface, and may affect overall foot health and well-being. These painful fissures in the skin create an entry point for bacteria, increasing the risk of infections. As the cracks deepen, they can lead to bleeding and expose sensitive tissues, causing discomfort and hindering mobility. In severe cases, untreated cracked heels may contribute to balance issues, potentially increasing the risk of falls, particularly in older individuals. The pain associated with cracked heels can alter gait patterns, placing undue stress on other joints, such as the knees and hips. Moreover, the constant pressure on the feet can lead to chronic inflammation, exacerbating conditions such as plantar fasciitis. Addressing cracked heels involves more than cosmetic care, it is a vital aspect of maintaining overall foot health and preventing potential complications that can impact one's daily life and mobility. If you have cracked heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer prescribed medication as an effective treatment method.

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 Kristopher Jerry, DPM from Podiatry Health Services . 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 Port St Lucie, Stuart, and Hollywood, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Engaging regularly in high-impact activities, like basketball, running, or professional dancing, may expose you to the discomfort of a foot stress fracture. This overuse injury involves hairline cracks in weight-bearing bones of the foot. If left untreated, a stress fracture in the foot can escalate into a more serious concern. However, stress fractures are not always easy to diagnose. Pain upon weight-bearing activities that often subsides after rest is a primary indicator of stress fractures. Tenderness in the affected area, occasional bruising, and swelling around the ankle are other signs to be noted. Various factors contribute to the development of stress fractures in the foot. Overuse and repetitive stress, stemming from prolonged engagement in activities without adequate rest, can subject the foot bones to cumulative stress. Wearing inadequate footwear, whether ill-fitting or worn-out, further elevates the risk by providing insufficient support and shock absorption. Additionally, suddenly increasing the intensity or duration of physical activity can overwhelm the bones, especially without sufficient time to adapt. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in calcium and vitamin D, can weaken bones and make them more susceptible to hairline fractures. If you believe you may have incurred a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough exam and suitable imaging tests and treatment options.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Kristopher Jerry, DPM from Podiatry Health Services . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Port St Lucie, Stuart, and Hollywood, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The condition of your feet can offer valuable insights into your overall health. For instance, if your feet are persistently cold, it may signal hypothyroidism, a condition that slows your metabolism. Yellow toenails may be a sign of lymphedema or respiratory issues. Persistent yellowing warrants a visit to a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options. Painful foot cramps can result from dehydration or nutrient deficiencies. It is a good idea to stay hydrated, maintain a balanced diet, and consider drinking low-calorie sports drinks with electrolytes to prevent and relieve foot cramps. An enlarged, painful big toe may indicate gout. This is a form of arthritis that often affects the big toe. It results from an overabundance of purines in the system and can cause flare ups of extreme pain, swelling, and redness in the big toe. Reducing the risk of gout involves moderating alcohol intake and avoiding red meat and seafood consumption. If you are experiencing unusual types of foot problems, or suspect you may have gout, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a full diagnosis and treatment options.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Kristopher Jerry, DPM from Podiatry Health Services . Our doctor 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 offices located in Port St Lucie, Stuart, and Hollywood, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Toe fractures can cause significant discomfort and restrict your ability to carry out everyday activities, including wearing shoes and walking comfortably. There are various types of toe fractures, each requiring different levels of medical intervention. One type is the non-displaced fracture, where the toe's shape and position remain unchanged. On the other hand, there is the crush fracture, which occurs when extreme pressure crushes the bone. This injury can often be observed among weightlifters who accidentally drop heavy dumbbells on their toes. Crush fractures can be particularly perilous, especially if they result in damage to the skin, as this increases the risk of concurrent skin and bone infections. Another category is the displaced fracture, where the fracture alters the toe's position or shape. In such cases, medical attention is typically needed to realign and stabilize the bone. The type of toe fracture will determine the appropriate course of action. If you have broken a toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment for realignment and prevention of complications.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Kristopher Jerry, DPM from Podiatry Health Services . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Port St Lucie, Stuart, and Hollywood, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.