July 2019

There are many patients who experience the uncomfortable condition that is known as cracked heels. It develops as a result of dry skin that forms around the heel, and can cause pain and discomfort. There are a variety of reasons why cracked heels may form. These often include standing for extended periods of time, wearing shoes that have an open back, and a dry environment. Some patients have existing medical conditions that may lead to cracked heels, including thyroid disease, psoriasis, or athlete’s foot. Mild relief can be found when the feet are washed and thoroughly dried, followed by using a good moisturizer. If you suffer from having cracked heels, it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist who can offer proper treatment remedies.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Accent Podiatry Associates. Our doctors 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 Arlington and Mansfield, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

In the foot, arthritis causes inflammation and swelling of the cartilage and in the lining of the joints. Arthritic feet can result in a loss of mobility and independence, but early diagnosis will help significantly. Besides showing up hereditarily, some other causes of arthritis include bacterial and viral infections in the joints, ignored injuries in athletes and industrial workers, and bowel disorders such as colitis and ileitis that lead to arthritis. The three main types of arthritis most often found in the foot are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout. The symptoms to look for in arthritis are swelling in one or more of the joints, recurring pain or tenderness, redness or stiffness in the joints and any skin changes or rashes. There are also several treatments available for arthritis in the feet. These include physical therapy and foot exercises, aspirin and orthotics. Surgery would be a last resort option if the joints in the foot are extensively damaged and need to be replaced with artificial joints. If you feel you are developing some sort of arthritis in your feet, it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist. 

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Accent Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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

When the side of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, an ingrown toenail has developed. The symptoms that are commonly associated with this condition include redness, swelling, and tenderness. If it is not promptly treated, severe pain and discomfort may develop from a potential infection. Ingrown toenails may be common among patients with diabetes or poor circulation. Effective treatment options can include removing the part of the nail that is growing into the skin, in addition to treating the nail bed. This may help to prevent an infection from occurring again. If you have developed this uncomfortable ailment, it is advised to consult a podiatrist as quickly as possible to begin proper treatment. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Accent Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Arlington and Mansfield, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.