Items filtered by date: June 2024

Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, are a common foot condition where the skin on the heels becomes dry, thick, and cracked. These fissures can range from superficial to deep, causing pain and discomfort, and in severe cases, bleeding and infection. Cracked heels can significantly threaten mobility, making walking or standing painful and challenging. Risk factors include prolonged standing, obesity, wearing open-back shoes, and having dry skin or certain medical conditions such as diabetes and hypothyroidism. Additionally, aging can reduce skin elasticity, increasing the likelihood of developing cracked heels. Maintaining proper foot hygiene, moisturizing regularly, and wearing supportive footwear can help prevent and manage this condition, ensuring that mobility is not compromised and the risk of complications is minimized.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Gary Saphire, DPM from Parkway Podiatry. 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 Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Achilles tendon injuries often occur due to overuse, sudden increases in physical activity, or inadequate warm-ups before exercise. This tendon, connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone, endures significant stress, especially during activities like running, jumping, or abrupt changes in direction. Such strain can lead to inflammation, known as tendinitis, or even a partial or complete tear. When an Achilles tendon injury happens, individuals typically experience sharp pain or a snapping sensation in the back of the ankle, followed by swelling and difficulty walking. The pain may worsen with activity and improve with rest but can become chronic if untreated. Treatment includes rest and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling. Exercises can help strengthen the tendon and restore flexibility. In severe cases, immobilization or surgery might be necessary. To prevent these injuries, it is important to engage in proper warm-ups, gradually increase activity levels, and wear supportive footwear. If you have Achilles tendon pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and tailored treatment plan. 

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Gary Saphire, DPM of Parkway Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition caused by damage to the peripheral nerves, often resulting in numbness, tingling, burning sensations, and pain in the extremities. There are several types of peripheral neuropathy, each with its own set of causes and symptoms. Regardless of the underlying cause, peripheral neuropathy can have a significant impact on the feet, leading to decreased sensation, balance issues, and an increased risk of foot injuries and ulcers. Diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common types and is caused by nerve damage from prolonged exposure to high blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Other types include compressive neuropathy, which occurs when nerves are compressed or pinched, and toxic neuropathy, which can result from exposure to certain medications, chemicals, or toxins. Proper foot care, including regular inspections, supportive footwear, and maintaining good blood sugar levels for diabetes, is essential for managing symptoms and preventing complications associated with peripheral neuropathy. If your feet are affected with any of the above symptoms, it is strongly suggested that you meet with a podiatrist who can offer you effective methods to manage the type of neuropathy you have.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Gary Saphire, DPM from Parkway Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

Bunions, medically termed hallux valgus, are a foot deformity characterized by a bony bump at the base of the big toe, while the top of the toe shifts toward the others. Bunions are often accompanied by inflammation and pain. Factors like hereditary predisposition and wearing tight or improper footwear can worsen the deformity. Treatment strategies for bunions typically encompass both non-surgical and surgical approaches. Non-surgical intervention focuses on symptom management and includes wearing well-fitted shoes that provide ample space for the toes. Wearing bunion pads, toe spacers, or orthotic devices for support are among the less invasive treatment options. However, if conservative measures fail to provide relief or if the bunion is severe, surgery may be necessary. Bunion surgery aims to realign the toe joint, alleviate pain, and improve foot function. Surgical techniques include joint trimming and total joint replacement, depending on the severity of the bunion. If you have a bunion that is affecting your daily activities, it's suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough exam and suggested treatment measures. 

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Gary Saphire, DPM of Parkway Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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