February 2023

If you are someone that is prone to cracked heels, then you ought to be especially aware of the possibility of developing an infection because of this condition. Cracked heels occur when the skin covering the heel becomes severely dehydrated and fissures begin to form on the skin. As a result of these fissures, the skin might even start to bleed. Infections are an important risk to be aware of if you have cracked heels. Specifically, if an individual removes skin on the heels through a process known as debridement, an infection might occur. For example, if too much skin is removed with a razor, then the individual might be setting themselves up for a nasty infection. If you have cracked heels, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist promptly. This medical professional will be able to help you treat your condition and answer any questions you might have. 

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 Port Richmond Family Footcare. 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

• 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 our office located in Lumberton, NJ, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An injury to the ankle can severely impact completing everyday activities. An ankle sprain is common to incur and may be similar to an ankle strain. The symptoms for both ailments can consist of pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. Treatment can begin with frequently elevating the feet and wrapping the affected foot with a compression bandage. This is generally effective in providing the necessary stability as the healing process occurs. Existing swelling can be managed when heat is avoided, such as hot baths or heat packs. There are various reasons why ankle sprains and strains occur including improperly stretching before and after exercising, or from stepping off a curb unexpectedly and twisting the ankle. It is important to obtain a proper diagnosis which typically consists of having an X-ray taken. If you have injured your ankle, please contact a podiatrist who can help you with the correct type of treatment.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Port Richmond Family Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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

Blisters are fluid-filled bubbles that can form on the toes, soles, or heels of your feet when they rub against the inside of a firm or tight-fitting shoe. The blister itself is nature’s way of protecting the skin from this friction by separating the layers from each other. Blisters frequently form when you walk too far in shoes that do not fit properly or by not wearing socks. Most blisters will heal on their own after a few days of resting the site and avoiding the condition that caused them. Covering the blister with a protective bandage can also help. It is not recommended to pop a blister, which may invite infection. Signs of infection include pus, hot or painful skin around the blister, and red streaks around it. Another sign of infection is when the fluid that fills a blister is bloody or changes color. If you notice any of these symptoms, the time has come to visit a podiatrist who can properly cleanse the site and afford safe treatment options. 

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 one of our podiatrists of Port Richmond Family Footcare. Our doctors 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 Lumberton, NJ, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The feet have a total of 250,000 sweat glands. This vast collection can produce about a cup of sweat each day, more per square inch than any other body part. The feet contain eccrine sweat glands, which are designed to cool down the body. These consist mostly of salt and water and do not produce foot odor. Bacteria, which thrives in moist, warm environments such as sweaty feet enclosed in socks and shoes, does produce foul odors. Many types of bacteria live on the feet and interact with the sweat produced. Through a complex process involving the bacteria, the sweat glands, and the byproducts of those glands, foot odor is produced. The type of odor depends on which type of bacteria is present and thriving. Fortunately, there are a number of remedies and lifestyle changes available that can reduce the problem of extreme foot odor. For more information on how to handle this annoying problem, please consult a podiatrist. 

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Port Richmond Family Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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