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Why Are My Heels Cracking?

Monday, 27 July 2020

Cracked heels are an uncomfortable, and often painful foot condition. When the cracks of the heel are extremely deep they can be referred to as fissures. Cracked heels can be identified by looking for dry, cracked skin, which can also become discolored to a yellow or brownish shade. If left untreated fissures can worsen over time, becoming more painful and affecting how you walk and go about your normal day to day activities. Cracked heels may develop due to obesity, frequently standing on hard surfaces, the humidity level of your living environment, and skin conditions such as dermatitis or psoriasis. For more information on how to treat cracked heels, it is recommended to consult with a podiatrist.

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 Dr. Sybil J. Fisher from Texas. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Houston and Sugar Land, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

It's Time for Beautiful Feet

Sunday, 26 July 2020

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

What’s the Treatment for Stress Fractures?

Monday, 20 July 2020

Stress fractures are small cracks that can appear in a bone, typically due to overuse. They are most common in the foot, and they develop over time and can become painful. Treatment depends on the severity of the fracture, but always focuses on pain relief and restoring function. After completing a physical examination, the doctor may request an X-ray to confirm the diagnosis. Once diagnosed, treatment may include resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot (also known as the RICE method), modifying physical activities until the foot has healed, and recommending appropriate footwear or a walking boot to minimize further damage and promote healing. In more severe cases, surgery may be required. If you are experiencing pain in your foot and suspect a stress fracture, talk to your podiatrist today.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. Sybil J. Fisher from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use. The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

Runners
People affected with Osteoporosis
Tennis or basketball players
Gymnasts
High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Houston and Sugar Land, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Older Adults and Heel Pain

Monday, 13 July 2020

There are several bones, muscles, ligaments, and joints that each foot consists of. The feet absorb the weight of the body, and heel pain is experienced by many patients. The shape of the foot may change as the aging process occurs, so one may be vulnerable to developing specific foot conditions. These can include heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, and ankle injuries. It is beneficial to wear shoes that fit correctly in addition to having adequate cushioning in the heel area. There may be existing medical conditions that can lead to heel pain, consisting of certain types of arthritis, or obesity. Research as indicated it is beneficial to perform stretches that can help to loosen the muscles and tendons surrounding the heel, and this may help to relieve a portion of heel pain. If you have any type of heel pain, please consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat this ailment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Sybil J. Fisher of Texas. 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.

Do I Have a Sprained Ankle?

Monday, 06 July 2020

The ligaments that support the ankle are extremely important. If they become overstretched or torn, an ankle sprain may occur. There are a few common symptoms that can indicate an ankle sprain has developed including pain, soreness, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight or walking on the affected ankle. It is possible to obtain a sprained ankle if the ankle gets twisted, or if the foot rolls onto its side. While ankle sprains are typically correlated with sporting accidents, they can occur from simply taking an awkward step or tripping. As far as treating an ankle sprain, a podiatrist may suggest the use of an ankle brace or splint to help protect the ankle. Swelling may be dealt with by elevating the ankle, as well as alternating cold and warm compresses. Rest is key, so refraining from bearing weight on the affected ankle can be beneficial to the healing process. For a proper diagnosis and an advised treatment plan, please consult with a podiatrist.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Dr. Sybil J. Fisher from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

Pain at the sight of the tear
Bruising/Swelling
Ankle area is tender to touch
In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
Stretching before exercises and sports
Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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