Leaving cracked heels untreated poses several risks that can affect your health. When the skin on the heels becomes excessively dry and develops calluses, it leads to deep fissures or cracks. These openings increase the risk of foot infections and leave an entry point for bacteria. Cracked heels can also lead to pain, discomfort, and difficulty walking, which may interfere with day-to-day activities. In severe cases, untreated cracked heels may result in bleeding and increase the risk of cellulitis, a serious bacterial skin infection. Foot wounds may develop when cracked heels become infected, and this is especially important to avoid for people with diabetes and the associated loss of circulation in the feet. Cracked heels may also signal underlying health issues, such as vitamin deficiencies or thyroid disorders. If you have cracked heels, it is suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can treat the issue and prevent complications.
Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Brent Harwood, DPM from Southeast 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 offices located in Fairhope, Brewton, and Atmore, AL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your podiatric needs.
Do you work on your feet all day and find your feet in pain? Don't go to work in pain each day. Your foot pain can be treated, and we can help.
Bunions develop due to prolonged stress on the metatarsophalangeal joint, often resulting from wearing ill-fitting shoes that force the big toe inward. This pressure causes the first metatarsal to angle outward and the big toe to point in the opposite direction, forming a noticeable bump. Additionally, genetic factors, low arches, flat feet, loose joints, and arthritis can contribute to bunion formation. Narrow, pointed-toe, or high-heeled footwear, commonly worn by women, can also heighten the risk. Furthermore, running in shoes with tapered toe boxes and elevated heels may exacerbate bunions over time. Bunions can lead to pain, discomfort, and even deformities such as hammertoes or corns. Prevention strategies include wearing wide-toed shoes, avoiding high heels, using toe spacers, and performing bunion massages to alleviate symptoms and prevent further complications. If you have a painful bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment that is best for you.
If you are suffering from bunions, contact Brent Harwood, DPM from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Bunion?
A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.
Why Do Bunions Form?
Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary
Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions
How Are Bunions Diagnosed?
Podiatrists often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure..
How Are Bunions Treated?
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fairhope, Brewton, and Atmore, AL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your podiatric needs.
Ingrown toenails can be painful and can make wearing shoes or walking uncomfortable. Seek professional help if you believe you've developed an ingrown toenail and be treated safely.
Diagnosing plantar fasciitis, an inflammatory condition in the foot which causes heel pain, involves an examination from a podiatrist. A podiatrist may first discuss medical history and symptoms with the patient. They then will perform a physical examination of the feet, checking for signs such as tenderness in the heel and arch areas. They also check for flat feet, high arches, foot swelling, and tight Achilles tendons. The podiatrist may also order X-rays or ultrasounds to rule out other potential causes of heel pain. Additionally, during the examination, the podiatrist may assess the range of motion and gait for a comprehensive understanding of the foot mechanics. This combination of methods helps the podiatrist diagnose plantar fasciitis and tailor an effective treatment plan to alleviate pain and promote healing. For an accurate diagnosis and successful management of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.
Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Brent Harwood, DPM from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
How Can It Be Treated?
While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your podiatrist right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fairhope, Brewton, and Atmore, AL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your podiatric needs.
Heel pain can negatively affect your day-to-day life. Simple activities like walking can become incredibly uncomfortable or painful due to heel pain.
Don’t live with heel pain and get treated.
Balance is a fundamental aspect of daily life, affecting activities like walking, standing, and even tying your shoes. Recent research highlights its role in overall health, with studies revealing a correlation between poor balance and increased mortality risk. Incorporating balance exercises into your routine can lower this risk and improve stability. Here are a few exercises that aim to improve balance and reduce the likelihood of falling. It’s a good idea to have a chair or wall nearby to hold on to while performing them. The first is single-leg standing, where you elevate one leg while maintaining posture and gradually increase duration. Next is heel-to-toe walking, simulating a tightrope walk to enhance balance and coordination. Finally, integrating yoga practice can help to improve body awareness and proprioception, which is needed for equilibrium. Whether you're an athlete aiming for peak performance or an older adult with balance problems, these exercises can help reduce the risk of falls and promote overall well-being. For help with foot and ankle problems related to mobility or stability, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a full exam.
Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Brent Harwood, DPM from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.
Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.
How to Prevent Falls
Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:
Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fairhope, Brewton, and Atmore, AL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your podiatric needs.
Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.
Podiatrists play a vital role in diabetic foot care, offering specialized assistance to prevent foot complications from developing. People with diabetes need to pay close attention to foot care, because high blood sugar can cause damage to nerves and result in poor blood circulation in the feet. When people cannot feel pain in their feet, they may not notice problems such as cuts and ulcers. Wounds are at even higher risk for infection as a result of poor blood flow. Podiatrists help by conducting regular foot exams to identify any issues early on. They also perform neurovascular and musculoskeletal assessments for the feet. Podiatrists educate their patients about proper foot hygiene, nail care, and daily foot checks, as well as recommend suitable footwear to prevent problems. If a patient has foot issues such as calluses, corns, or ingrown toenails, podiatrists can treat them to prevent the issues from worsening. If you have diabetes and suspect foot problems, it is suggested you consult a podiatrist who can help you manage and prevent foot-related complications due to having diabetes.
Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Brent Harwood, DPM from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.
The Importance of Caring for Your Feet
Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.
It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fairhope, Brewton, and Atmore, AL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your podiatric needs.
You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.
Toe pain can have various causes, and it is necessary to consider a number of possibilities to determine the underlying condition accurately. Cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection, can lead to toe pain accompanied by symptoms like redness, swelling, warmth, and sometimes fever. Cryoglobulinemia, although rare, can result in recurrent skin discoloration, known as palpable purpura, on the lower extremities, often associated with joint pain and kidney issues. Trauma is another common cause, with toe pain following a history of injury, typically displaying corresponding contusion patterns. Warfarin skin necrosis, a rare complication of anticoagulant therapy, may present as painful skin necrosis in areas with accumulated fat during the beginning of warfarin use. Lastly, blue toe syndrome can cause acute, painful cyanotic discoloration in the toes due to an embolism. If you have painful, discolored, or swollen toes and there is no obvious cause, or one that needs attention, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Brent Harwood, DPM from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctor 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:
When to See a Podiatrist
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 offices located in Fairhope, Brewton, and Atmore, AL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your podiatric needs.
Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.
Foot cramps are characterized by involuntary muscle contractions, and commonly occur in the arch, near the toes, or on the upper part of the foot. Various factors contribute to foot cramps, including low potassium, over exercising, dehydration, and ill-fitting footwear. Pushing muscles beyond their usual limits during physical activities, from beginners to top athletes, can lead to muscle spasms and foot cramps. Dehydration can result from diarrhea, vomiting, insufficient water intake, excessive exercise, or overheating. Signs of dehydration can include chills, dry mouth, and concentrated urine. Wearing ill-fitting footwear, particularly overly tight shoes, can impede blood circulation to the foot, causing muscles to cramp. It is essential to replace restrictive footwear with well-fitted alternatives to prevent circulation issues. Lastly, while nerve damage itself does not cause cramping, individuals with diabetes are prone to nerve damage in the feet, and factors like exposure to toxins, genetic disorders, metabolic issues, injuries, or certain medications can contribute to nerve damage. If you suffer from severe or chronic foot cramps, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and suggest appropriate treatment options.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Brent Harwood, DPM from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
Diagnosis
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fairhope, Brewton, and Atmore, AL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your podiatric needs.
Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.