Heel fissures are cracks or breaks in the skin of the heels and usually form from intense dryness and thickened skin. These cracks can be superficial or deep, and they may bleed or feel painful. Heel fissures may worsen and become infected or turn into skin ulcers, and it is important to treat them to prevent this from happening. There may be underlying conditions that can lead to heel fissures, which can include, but are not limited to, nutritional deficiencies that can cause the skin to lose moisture, and skin ailments that result in inflammation, itching and dryness. Additionally, cracked heels may happen as a result of wearing footwear that does not allow the feet to breathe. People who have diabetes are at risk for nerve damage to the feet, which is referred to as peripheral neuropathy. One of the several problems this can create can affect the nerves on the feet. Sweating may be reduced or stopped, possibly causing a dry environment for skin fissures to develop. If you are experiencing heel fissures, it is strongly suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer correct treatment methods.
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 one of our podiatrists from Jill Einhorn, DPM and James Einhorn, DPM. 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
Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels
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 offices located in Brooklyn and Astoria, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
People who fall or who have a fear of falling may benefit from having regular physical examinations done. This can help monitor existing medicines, as dosages may need to be adjusted as the body changes. It can also help to have regular eye examinations performed that can manage eyeglass prescriptions. Many elderly patients like to exercise and can feel their bodies becoming stronger. Exercising is an important fall prevention technique, and it may also help to increase balance. Many seniors enjoy practicing Tai Chi, which can make their legs stronger. Vitamin D may be added to the diet which may help improve bone, muscle, and nerve health. Additionally, there are methods that can be implemented in the home that can make it safer. These can include installing grab bars in the toilet and shower area and improving lighting in the living area. Falling can impact the feet, and can cause havoc in completing daily activities. If you would like to learn more about fall prevention techniques, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with useful information.
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 one of our podiatrists from Jill Einhorn, DPM and James Einhorn, DPM. Our doctors 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 Brooklyn and Astoria, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care 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.
Hammertoe is a deformity that affects the toes and can be uncomfortable. It can happen from genetic reasons, or from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. This ailment affects the second and third toes, and pushes the end of the toe downward, causing the middle joint to point up. Many people who have this condition often have corns and calluses that develop on top of the joints. This can happen as a result of the toe hitting the top of the shoe. People who are born with long toes may develop hammertoe, in addition to people who have bunions. Specific stretches for hammertoe can be done that can help to keep the joints flexible. Some people find it helpful to stretch the toe joints with their hands, or by picking up marbles with their toes. If you have hammertoe, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective treatment methods.
Hammertoe
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Jill Einhorn, DPM and James Einhorn, DPM. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.
Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.
Symptoms
Causes
Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible
Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur
Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe
Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe
Treatment
Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it
Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used
Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option
If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Brooklyn and Astoria, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
The majority of babies are born with flat feet, and they may remain that way into adulthood. Flat feet are easily noticed as the foot lies flat on the floor while standing, and the lack of an arch may be painful for some patients. Flat feet fall into two categories. Those who have weak muscles in the foot are referred to as having flexible flat feet, and the arch may be seen while lying down. With this condition, the arch will disappear when weight is put on it. Rigid flat feet will remain the same whether standing or lying down, and there may be a reduced range of motion. Many people who have flat feet choose to wear orthotics, which can be successful in treating this type of abnormal foot structure. Severely flat feet may cause difficulty in completing daily activities, and surgery may be considered for permanent relief. If you are an adult who has flat feet, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can guide you toward the relief options and offer the treatment that is best for you.
Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Jill Einhorn, DPM and James Einhorn, DPM. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.
Conditions & Problems:
Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.
Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.
Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.
Symptoms
Treatment
If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Brooklyn and Astoria, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.