Items filtered by date: December 2020

Cracked heels affect many people worldwide. When the cracks deepen and become uncomfortable, they can be called fissures. This ailment can develop as a result of wearing shoes that have an open back. Additionally, patients can notice they have cracked heels from standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day. Existing medical conditions that can contribute to causing this condition can include psoriasis and eczema. Mild relief may be found when the affected foot is soaked in warm water, and followed by applying a good moisturizer. Additionally, it may be beneficial to drink fresh water daily, and this may aid in reducing cracked heels from forming. If you have developed cracked heels, please speak to a podiatrist for effective prevention methods and healing techniques.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Edwin Oghoorian, DPM from Pacific Foot & Ankle Associates . 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 San Dimas, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Children and young teenagers who frequently participate in sporting activities may be prone to developing Sever’s disease. This is a condition that affects the growth plate in the heel and can cause severe pain and discomfort. This condition may be observed by parents who notice their child is limping and has difficulty while walking. Some of the reasons this condition may develop can consist of poor foot structure and increased running or jumping. The first step in finding relief is to stop the activity that caused the pain. Additionally, it is beneficial to perform simple calf stretches and to elevate the affected leg. It is recommended that you visit a podiatrist if you notice your child has these symptoms.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Edwin Oghoorian, DPM from Pacific Foot & Ankle Associates . Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in San Dimas, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Even though blisters on the feet are the body’s natural reaction to healing damaged skin, they can still cause pain and discomfort. They are defined as a small bubble of protective liquid that forms over the raw skin as the healing process occurs. The blister may remain there for several days, but will gradually drain once new skin has formed. Common reasons why patients develop blisters can include wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or from medical conditions consisting of eczema, or psoriasis. It is beneficial to wear a covering over the blister as daily activities are completed and this can help prevent the blister from popping prematurely. If you have blisters on your feet please confer with a podiatrist who can offer correct treatment and preventative methods.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Edwin Oghoorian, DPM of Pacific Foot & Ankle Associates . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

Research has indicated that frequent stretching and exercise may prevent falling episodes. This may be a result of the body becoming stronger as specific routines are performed, and falling may happen less often. Flexibility can be increased, and coordination and balance may also improve. Many injuries that can affect the feet can occur from falling, and this may cause difficulty in accomplishing daily activities. It is important to ensure the living environment is free of clutter, and it may help to install grab bars in the shower and toilet area. For added safety, many people choose to have a bath mat in the shower or tub area, as this can provide security. It is beneficial to have regular physical and eye examinations, as this may help to manage and update existing medication. If you would like additional information about how falling can impact the feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

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 Edwin Oghoorian, DPM from Pacific Foot & Ankle Associates . 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:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

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 office located in San Dimas, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!