June 2024

Dry, cracked heels can be an uncomfortable and unsightly problem, particularly in sandal and open-heel season. This condition occurs when the skin on the heels becomes excessively dry, often due to factors like prolonged standing, wearing open-backed shoes, or insufficient moisture. More severe causes can include medical conditions such as diabetes or thyroid problems. Dry, cracked heels feel rough, and the skin may become thickened or develop painful fissures. To treat and prevent this issue, start by moisturizing your feet daily with a rich, emollient cream, focusing on the heel area. Exfoliate regularly with a pumice stone to remove dead skin. Soaking your feet in warm water with Epsom salts can also help soften the skin. Wearing supportive, closed-back shoes and using heel balms can prevent cracks from worsening. If you have a persistent case of cracked heels, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for treatment and tips on how to keep your feet looking their best.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact the podiatrists from New England Family Foot Care. 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 office located in Milton, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Diabetic foot ulcers pose a significant risk to individuals with diabetes, often occurring on the ball of the foot or the bottom of the big toe. While some foot ulcers may not cause pain, it's important to seek immediate medical attention, as neglecting them can lead to infections and potential limb loss. Treatment approaches vary depending on the severity of the diabetic foot ulcer. Among them are X-rays to assess bone health and debridement, or cleaning out dead tissue, which may require hospitalization. Special footwear or braces may be recommended to protect the foot and aid healing. In cases of poor circulation, consultation with a vascular surgeon may be necessary. Even after an ulcer heals, ongoing care is vital to prevent recurrence, including the use of specialized footwear and daily foot monitoring for any sores or trouble spots. Individuals with diabetes face a higher risk of amputation, due to complications like peripheral artery disease and neuropathy, but limb loss can be prevented with regular foot care, proper medical supervision, and suitable footwear. Dealing with diabetic foot ulcers includes having a podiatrist as a member of your healthcare team. For help with foot ulcers, it is suggested that you make an immediate appointment with a podiatrist for care. 

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 the podiatrists from New England Family Foot Care. Our doctors 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

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

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 office located in Milton, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, typically between the third and fourth toes. It involves the thickening of tissue around one of the nerves leading to the toes, often caused by irritation or compression. Symptoms include a sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot, tingling or numbness in the toes, and the sensation of having a pebble in your shoe. A podiatrist diagnoses Morton's neuroma through a physical examination, assessing the affected area for tenderness and swelling. Imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI scans may be used to rule out other conditions. The duration of symptoms can vary, with some people experiencing intermittent pain while others may have chronic discomfort. Prevention includes wearing well-fitting shoes with a wide toe box and avoiding high heels. Treatment options range from conservative approaches like rest and orthotics to corticosteroid injections and, in severe cases, surgery. For persistent pain and personalized treatment, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact the podiatrists of New England Family Foot Care. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, swelling, and potential infection. This common condition can arise from improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, trauma, or naturally curved nails. While some may attempt self-care remedies, seeking professional assistance from a podiatrist is vital for safe, effective relief and treatment. Podiatrists possess the expertise to accurately diagnose the severity of the ingrown toenail and recommend appropriate interventions. Treatment methods may include gentle nail trimming, lifting the nail edge, or in severe cases, surgical procedures to remove the ingrown portion of the nail. Ignoring an ingrown toenail or attempting amateur treatments can make the problem worse, leading to complications such as infection or chronic pain. It is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for tailored treatment to alleviate discomfort from an ingrown toenail.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact the podiatrists of New England Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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