Cracked heels can stem from various factors, both medical and environmental. Dry skin, prolonged standing, wearing ill-fitting shoes, and dehydration can contribute to this common condition. Additionally, medical conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or thyroid disorders can exacerbate heel cracking. Symptoms may include pain, itching, redness, and deep fissures, increasing the risk of infection. Prevention is key to managing cracked heels. Podiatrists offer specialized care to address underlying causes of cracked heels, treat complications, and provide personalized advice for maintaining foot health, ensuring optimal comfort and mobility. If you have severely cracked heels or have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you seek treatment from a podiatrist.
Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Stephen Petrofsky from Florida. Our doctor 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 Charlotte, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Becoming a podiatrist involves a journey of dedication and specialized training, starting with undergraduate studies in a science-related field. After completing a bachelor's degree, aspiring podiatrists pursue a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, or DPM, degree, typically a four-year program focused on foot and ankle anatomy, biomechanics, and medical and surgical interventions. Throughout their education, students engage in clinical rotations to gain hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle conditions. After graduating, podiatrists often undertake residencies to further refine their skills in areas such as surgery, sports medicine, or wound care. Finally, they obtain licensure to practice independently. Transitioning from student to professional, podiatrists continue to expand their knowledge through continuing education and staying abreast of advancements in podiatric medicine. If you are experiencing foot or ankle discomfort, it is suggested that you seek the expertise of a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Dr. Stephen Petrofsky from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Podiatrist?
Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.
Podiatric Treatment
A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:
Physical therapy
Drugs
Orthotic inserts or soles
Surgery on lower extremity fractures
A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Port Charlotte, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Plantar fasciitis presents a significant challenge for athletes, stemming from causes like trauma, excessive pronation, muscle strength imbalances, or tightness. It often occurs due to overuse, repetitive strain, or biomechanical imbalances during activities such as running, jumping, or sudden changes in direction. It can mimic other conditions including tarsal tunnel syndrome, stress fractures, and Achilles tendinitis, making an accurate diagnosis imperative. Podiatrists play a pivotal role in providing tailored treatment strategies. However, the healing process can be lengthy, posing a significant hurdle for athletes accustomed to intense training regimes. Recovery timelines vary, with some cases resolving in a few weeks, while others may take several months. This extended healing duration can be frustrating for athletes eager to return to their sport. Treatment options encompass rest, stretching, custom-made orthotic devices, and sometimes surgery as a last resort. Alternative training methods and cross-training are often recommended to maintain fitness levels during recovery, emphasizing the importance of patience and perseverance in managing plantar fasciitis for athletes. If you are an athlete and suffering from persistent heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment deemed most appropriate for your situation.
Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Dr. Stephen Petrofsky of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciosis
Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles Tendon Rupture
Ankle Sprains
Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Port Charlotte, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Athletes often experience heel pain due to the intense and repetitive stress placed on their feet during training. One common heel pain problem is plantar fasciitis, which is inflammation of the band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot. Another is Achilles tendonitis, which involves inflammation of the tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel. These conditions can result from overuse, inadequate footwear, or improper training techniques. While most athletes respond well to conservative treatments like rest, stretches, and orthotics, there are times when these measures do not provide sufficient relief. In such cases, a podiatrist may suggest surgery as a last resort. Many factors go into deciding whether surgery is the best option, such as weighing the athlete's condition severity, pain levels, and impact on their performance and quality of life. If you are an athlete struggling with heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a personalized treatment plan.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Stephen Petrofsky of Florida. Our doctor 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 Port Charlotte, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Athletes often experience heel pain due to the intense and repetitive stress placed on their feet during training. One common heel pain problem is plantar fasciitis, which is inflammation of the band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot. Another is Achilles tendonitis, which involves inflammation of the tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel. These conditions can result from overuse, inadequate footwear, or improper training techniques. While most athletes respond well to conservative treatments like rest, stretches, and orthotics, there are times when these measures do not provide sufficient relief. In such cases, a podiatrist may suggest surgery as a last resort. Many factors go into deciding whether surgery is the best option, such as weighing the athlete's condition severity, pain levels, and impact on their performance and quality of life. If you are an athlete struggling with heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a personalized treatment plan. 
