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A Lack of Vitamins May Cause Cracked Heels
Many people have the foot condition that is known as cracked heels. Various reasons, including vitamin deficiency, can cause this ailment. A lack of vitamin E can affect the skin and cause it to dry. Good sources of this vital nutrient can include sunflower seeds, salmon, avocado, and various oils. Additionally, patients who do not have adequate amounts of vitamin B-3 may develop a condition called pellagra. This can cause the skin to become dry and scaly, affecting the heels. Sources of this vitamin can consist of brown rice, lentils, poultry, and seafood. Existing medical conditions may also lead to developing cracked heels, such as eczema and athlete’s foot. Cracked heels can be prominent among people who frequently walk barefoot and may be prevented when sandals or shoes are worn. If you have cracked heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the treatment routine that is correct for you.
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 the foot specialists from Table Mountain 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 Wheat Ridge, CO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Solutions for Cracked Heels
Cracked heels may make you want to think twice about showing off your feet in warmer weather. However, cracked heels may be harmful to more than just the appearance of your feet. If deep fissures and cracks develop in your heels, they may make walking and standing painful for you. Additionally, these openings make way for germs to enter through your skin and cause infection.
There are several different causes of cracked heels. One of the most common reasons for this ailment is dry skin. This problem may make your keeps feel rough tight and itchy. Dry skin may be caused by cold air, extremely hot water, harsh soaps, and aging. Skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis may eventually lead to dry skin. In some cases, complications may arise from cracked heels. Some of these complications are a loss of feeling in the heel, cellulitis, or a diabetic foot ulcer.
There are ways you can try to prevent getting cracked heels. One of the best ways to do so is to avoid wearing flip flops and sandals because these shoes increase your risk of drying out your feet. You should also avoid wearing shoes with a tall skinny heel, because these shoes cause your heel to expand sideways. At night, you should slather on a thick moisturizing cream on your feet and then cover them in socks to keep your feet moisturized overnight. Drinking water to stay hydrated is also a good way to ensure that your skin doesn’t become dry.
If you suffer from a severe case of cracked feet, you should make an appointment with your podiatrist to see what treatment methods are best for you.
Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Feet
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic progressive disease that attacks several joints throughout the body. It is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. As a result, the tissue inside the joints, called synovium, starts to thicken and causes pain around the joints. The synovium is responsible for creating a fluid that lubricates the joints to help them move. Approximately 1.5 million people in the United States have Rheumatoid Arthritis. Women are almost three times as likely to have RA compared to men, and it’s disease usually begins between the ages of 30 and 60. People who have a genetic history of RA are more likely to develop the disease.
Symptoms of RA may include the following sensations in the joints: pain, tenderness, swelling, redness, warmth, stiffness, and loss of range. Swollen joints are a very common symptom for those with the disease. At times, it may be minimal, but it may also be very apparent. Another typical symptom is joint stiffness. Doctors will often use the direction of morning stiffness to measure the severity of a patient’s joint inflammation. Other RA symptoms include limping, anemia, fever, and fatigue.
To diagnose RA, your podiatrist will typically request x-rays to see how much damage there is in the joints. Blood tests may also be performed to show if there are any signs of anemia, or antibodies such as the rheumatoid factor. If you have previously been diagnosed with RA, you should know the disease may spread to your feet and ankles.
There are many non-surgical options that can be used to treat this ailment. Some of these options include physical therapy, foot massages, orthotics, bracing, supportive shoes, and steroid injections. Physical therapy is useful because it will help stretch and strengthen the joints in both the foot and ankle to improve joint function. Massages can help improve blood circulation which will be good for the feet. Choosing proper footwear will allow you to walk with comfortability if you are a sufferer from RA. Lastly, bracing will help stabilize the foot joints, limit deformities and decrease pain.
In severe cases, surgery may be a treatment option that should be considered. For those who cannot walk without experiencing pain and those whose deformities can not be managed with braces, surgery should be considered. Your podiatrist will recommend surgery if he or she believes it will improve your foot biomechanics.
Exercises Can Reduce Arthritic Toe Pain
A number of exercises are known to reduce the discomfort of arthritis in the big toe by increasing both ranges of motion and strength. Toe exercises can also help to reduce stiffness. Experts suggest taking it slowly at first, and increasing the number, intensity, and length of exercise periods as the range of motion also increases. It is suggested to do motion exercises for two sets of 10 repetitions. Stretching exercises should be held for 20 to 30 seconds and performed four to five times weekly. Strength exercises call for eight to 10 repetitions, up to five times a week. For older adults, repetitions can increase to 15 with reduced resistance. Toe curls and big toe extensions are common stretching exercises. Towel curls, toe splay, and marble pickup are for strengthening. Resisted toe flexion is helpful for increasing mobility. For directions on how to best use these and other toe exercises, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.
Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact the foot specialists of Table Mountain Foot and Ankle. 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 Wheat Ridge, CO . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Plantar Fasciitis From Wearing Flip-Flops
Flip-flops are foot coverings most appropriate for wearing in gym locker room areas, the beach, and around the swimming pool. While easy to put on and take off, these thin-soled sandals lack proper support, especially at the arch area, and can cause plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a painful foot ailment that happens when the plantar fascia, the band of connective tissue that runs from the heels to the toes, becomes irritated or inflamed. The pain from plantar fasciitis is particularly bad when taking one’s first steps in the morning, walking, or standing for a prolonged time. This condition, left untreated, can also cause a heel spur or a calcium deposit to develop. Rest, stretching, and strength training exercises can help relieve pain from plantar fasciitis. However, if the pain does not decrease, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to diagnose the condition and obtain treatment options properly.
Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact the foot specialists from Table Mountain Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
Flip-Flops and Feet
When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops. Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer. However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.
How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?
- Ankle problems
- Hip problems
- Lower back problems
- Pain in the balls of the feet
- Problems with foot arches
- Changes in the way you walk
Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?
Yes. Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections. Common injuries and ailments include:
- Sprained ankles
- Blisters
- Infections
- Cuts and Scrapes
I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?
When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet. These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Wheat Ridge, CO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Flip Flops and Your Feet
When the weather heats up, you may want to start wearing flip-flops. However, it has been proven that these are not the ideal shoes in terms of preserving the health of your feet.
Flip flops are known to expose your feet to different types of bacteria and fungal infections. When you wear your flip flops in public, you are exposing them to staphylococcus which is a skin-irritating bacterium. Athlete’s foot is also highly contagious and can be spread when you walk around nearly-barefoot.
Another harmful effect of wearing flip-flops is that they develop blisters on the feet. This is because the thin strap rubs against the skin with each step taken. Unfortunately, when blisters pop, they cause you to be more vulnerable to pathogens you pick up by having your feet exposed.
These shoes may also cause “shooting pains”. If you have flat feet, you need arch support to keep your knees, hips, and back in alignment. If you wear flat shoes, your joints are forced to compensate which can cause injuries throughout the body.
If you constantly wear flip-flops, you should avoid doing so as they can lead to many problems for your feet. If you are experiencing any of these foot issues, you should seek help from a podiatrist right away.
Pickleball Can Be Good for Your Feet
Pickleball is a cross between tennis, badminton, and ping-pong in that it consists of players moving across a court and hitting a ball over a net. Such movement has overall health benefits, specifically for the feet. Pickleball is a low-impact aerobic exercise and competitors are at less risk for blood clots, especially those who are overweight. Pickleball is also a weight-bearing activity in that the movement necessary to play the game requires the feet to support the body. It can help strengthen muscles in the ankles and legs. Additionally, pickleball can help improve circulation because a higher heart rate causes blood to circulate throughout the body faster. Like any sport, there is a risk of injury while playing pickleball. However, it is a relatively slow game, and the court is smaller so there is less risk of injury from lunging after the ball. The muscle strengthening benefits can help keep the joints flexible, which also helps in reducing injury while playing the game and outside of the game. If you are considering playing pickleball, or if you have sustained an injury to your feet and ankles in this sport, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for suggestions or treatment.
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 the foot specialists from Table Mountain Foot and Ankle. 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 Wheat Ridge, CO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Ways of Treating Plantar Warts
Warts on the skin are caused by coming in contact with a virus called the human papillomavirus, or HPV. Plantar warts are a specific type of wart that grows on the bottom of the foot. A plantar wart may start as a small round area of tough skin but may increase in size. Tiny clogged blood vessels that appear as small black dots may appear on the site of the wart. It may take as long as six months for a wart to appear after the foot is exposed to the virus. A podiatrist can examine the plantar wart and determine the best treatment options, which may include cryotherapy by liquid nitrogen, which is generally used on adults or older children. Other methods of treatment involve scraping the wart off the foot, injections of antiviral medication, and laser therapy. Treatment for plantar warts varies and unfortunately, warts can come back even after treatment is completed. If you have a plantar wart that is growing very quickly, or one that is bleeding or appears to be infected, it is strongly suggested that you seek help from a podiatrist, who is specially trained to deal with foot problems.
Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact the foot specialists from Table Mountain Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
About Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.
While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.
Symptoms
- Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
- Hard or thick callused spots
- Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
- Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing
Treatment
- Freezing
- Electric tool removal
- Laser Treatment
- Topical Creams (prescription only)
- Over-the-counter medications
To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Wheat Ridge, CO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are growths that typically appear on the heels or other weight-bearing areas of the feet. These warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus enters the body through breaks in the skin, such as cuts, that are on the bottom of the feet. Plantar warts are more likely to affect children and teenagers, people with weakened immune systems, people who have a history with plantar warts, and people who walk barefoot in environments exposed to a wart-causing virus.
If you suspect you have plantar warts, you may have the following symptoms: pain or tenderness while walking, a lesion that interrupts the ridges in the skin of your foot, small fleshy lesions on the bottom of the foot, or a callus where a wart has grown inward over a well-defined spot on the skin.
HPV causes plantar warts to form and is very common. There are more than 100 kinds of the virus in existence. However, only a few of them cause warts on the feet. The other types of HPV are likely to cause warts on other parts of the body.
If you have plantar warts, your podiatrist may try different treatment methods depending on your specific case. Some treatments for plantar warts are peeling medicines (salicylic acid), freezing medicines (cryotherapy), or surgical procedures. Laser treatments and vaccines are also used to treat plantar warts.
Why Does My Heel Hurt When I Walk?
The heel is generally the first thing that hits the ground when you take a step. Since walking is something that people do throughout the day, heel pain can easily develop. And if you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, just walking from one room to another can become painful. Achilles tendonitis is the inflammation of the tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel. Tiny tears cause swelling, stiffness, and pain, especially in the back of the heel. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the tissue that runs under the sole of the foot develops tears, causing extreme pain felt mainly in the heel. It is thought to be an overuse injury, largely the result of overtraining. Plus, bone spurs can develop along with plantar fasciitis, increasing the pain felt when walking. A number of other conditions can cause heel pain when you walk. Included are bursitis, stress fractures, and compression of the nerves at the back of the ankle and heel. If heel pain while walking becomes persistent or worsens, it is suggested that you seek the attention of a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer treatment options.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact the foot specialists of Table Mountain 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 Wheat Ridge, CO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
