Having cracked heels is an undeniably unattractive condition of the feet in which the backs of the heels become significantly dehydrated. Cracks, or fissures, can form on the skin. Although many individuals may not be familiar with the connection between obesity and cracked heels, it is important and critical. Obese individuals may be at an increased risk of developing cracked heels because that increased weight puts added pressure on the fat pads in the heels. As a result, the fat pads can increase horizontally. This makes cracks in the back of the heels more likely. When the skin is not sufficiently hydrated and supple, deeper fissures may develop. If you are someone that wants to prevent the onset of cracked heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today for treatment and advice. 

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care of Long Island. Our doctors 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 Port Jefferson Station, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Most people are familiar with bunions, but another toe deformity that can become uncomfortable, or even painful, is claw toe. The tip of the toe curls underneath the foot, while the base of the toe rises up. This usually occurs in one or more of the smaller toes. Although claw toe can be a sign of diabetes, it may also be the result of shoe type, foot structure, or some type of trauma. Besides improperly fitting shoes or other footwear, the causes of claw toe may include ankle injuries, inflammation, or swelling of the feet. In addition, nerve damage that weakens the muscles in the feet may be a factor. Certain underlying medical conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, cerebral palsy, and diabetes have been identified as possible factors in the development of claw toe. The risk of claw toe increases with age. If you have noticed a change in the structure of your toes or are experiencing unusual pain in the toes, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can conduct an examination, offer a diagnosis, and suggest a possible treatment plan.  

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Care of Long Island. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Port Jefferson Station, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

When a child breaks a bone in their toe, it is called a toe fracture. Such a fracture will often result in pain, redness, swelling, and bruising. It might be difficult to bend their toe or put weight on it. If a bone is protruding from the toe or bent at an abnormal angle, immediate medical care should be sought. An X-ray or MRI may be needed to properly diagnose a toe fracture and differentiate it from a possible sprain. If your child has sustained a toe fracture, the buddy taping method or splint may be used to support the toe in its correct position during healing. Buddy taping means taping the broken toe to the toe next to it. A walking boot, hard-soled shoe, or other supportive devices may also help your child move while their toe is undergoing healing. If you think your child may have a broken toe, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist to have it examined, have necessary tests taken, and obtain treatment.

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 one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care of Long Island. Our doctors 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 office located in Port Jefferson Station, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The feet are the main instrument in a runner’s orchestra. Because they take a pounding with every step taken, injuries are apt to occur. Two common causes of forefoot foot pain in runners, stress fractures and extensor tendonitis, can be difficult to tell apart. A stress fracture is a tiny hairline crack that often occurs in the metatarsals. Stress fractures may be caused by increasing speed and distance of a run too rapidly. Over time, the metatarsal bones weaken ever so slowly until they crack. Extensor tendonitis is an inflammation of the network of tendons that run across the top of the foot. They affect the same part of the forefoot, but can be differentiated by a simple test of moving the toes against a bit of force. If that movement causes pain, then you probably do not have a stress fracture. The most common causes of extensor tendonitis can be traced to improper footwear, tight Achilles tendons, or tight calf muscles. For an expert diagnosis of the cause of forefoot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist, who is medically trained in dealing with problems of the feet. 

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care of Long Island. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

Running is a popular way to exercise, but if care is not taken, it can cause several injuries to the feet and ankles. Most common among them are plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, stress fractures, and Achilles tendon tears. Experts recommend these procedures to help prevent injuries from running. First, warm up before you start by walking or light jogging and then performing stretches, such as lunges and knee raises. Next, be certain you have the proper footwear, both for your feet and for the type of running you are doing. A properly fitting shoe, with ample cushioning and arch support, is essential to warding off injury. Be sure to increase the time, distance, and intensity of your runs gradually. A rule of thumb is not to increase distance or intensity by more than 10 percent per week. If you begin to feel pain when running, it is wise to pay attention to it. Running through the pain can make the injury worse. Finally, stretch and give your feet and ankles a chance to rest after running. If you sustain a running injury that persists or worsens, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Care of Long Island. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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