Items filtered by date: July 2024

Cracked heels can result from various factors, including dietary deficiencies. Insufficient intake of essential vitamins like A, C, and E, as well as minerals such as zinc and iron, can contribute to dry, flaky skin prone to cracking. A diet lacking in omega-3 fatty acids may also impair skin hydration and elasticity, causing heel fissures. Additionally, dehydration plays a critical role, as inadequate water intake reduces skin moisture, making heels more susceptible to cracking. Other causes include prolonged standing or walking barefoot, which increases pressure on the heels, and wearing open-back shoes that fail to support the heel adequately. Cracked heels can be painful and unsightly. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide effective treatment solutions, 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 one of our podiatrists from Brondon Foot and Ankle. 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 Centerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel pain can be debilitating, affecting daily activities and mobility. Common causes include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and heel spurs. Symptoms often manifest as sharp or dull pain in the heel or underside of the foot, especially noticeable after periods of rest. Effective treatment strategies include exercises to alleviate discomfort and reduce inflammation. Wearing proper footwear with adequate support and cushioning can also provide relief. Accurate diagnosis by a podiatrist is key for targeted treatment plans. So, if heel pain persists or worsens over time, it is wise to seek professional advice from a podiatrist. Their specialized knowledge ensures you receive comprehensive care and personalized treatment to address the root cause of your discomfort effectively. Don't let heel pain sideline you, and consider scheduling an appointment with a podiatrist for expert guidance and relief.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Brondon Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

A broken foot can present with several clear symptoms, and it is vital to identify them for prompt treatment. One of the most telling signs is a sharp, severe pain that often worsens with movement or weight-bearing activities. A sensation of dislocated bones, where the foot feels misaligned or abnormal, is also common. Swelling and bruising typically develop rapidly around the affected area, indicating internal bleeding and inflammation. Visible deformities or an inability to move the foot or toes may also occur, in addition to a pronounced tenderness when touching the injured area. Treatment may include immobilization with a cast, use of crutches, and in severe cases, surgical intervention to realign the broken bones. If you feel you may have broken your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose it and treat it accordingly.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Brondon Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

Pronation is the natural side-to-side movement of the foot during walking or running. It is essential for shock absorption and navigating uneven surfaces. However, problems arise when this movement is excessive. Overpronation, where the foot rolls too far inward, can cause prolonged ground contact and increased stress on the leg's alignment. This may lead to injuries like plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and knee pain. Conversely, underpronation, or insufficient inward roll, causes the foot to remain rigid, failing to absorb shock effectively. This places undue stress on the outer edge of the foot, increasing the likelihood of stress fractures. Identifying pronation issues can often be done through a professional gait analysis conducted by a podiatrist. In some cases, a podiatrist might recommend custom orthotics to provide additional support and correct alignment issues. Selecting appropriate footwear and strengthening foot and ankle muscles can help manage pronation-related problems. If you experience foot pain linked to pronation, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Brondon Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

Poor circulation, particularly from peripheral artery disease, or PAD, can significantly affect the health of your feet. PAD occurs when arteries narrow, reducing blood flow to the extremities, most commonly affecting the legs and feet. This diminished blood flow can cause leg pain, numbness, and weakness, which often worsen during physical activity and may persist even at rest. Additional symptoms can include cold feet, pale skin, and changes in toenail health, such as slower growth, thickening, deformation, or discoloration. These issues arise because the reduced blood flow prevents your feet from receiving adequate oxygen and nutrients. In severe cases, PAD can lead to critical limb ischemia, where chronic lack of blood flow results in ulcers, gangrene, and tissue damage. Managing PAD typically involves lifestyle modifications, such as quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and controlling diabetes. If you experience any signs of poor circulation in your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and effective treatment plan to prevent serious complications.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Brondon Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

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