Items filtered by date: May 2021

Dry, cracked heels can be not only annoying and unsightly, but also painful. The biggest cause of cracked heels is skin dehydration. The skin on the bottom of the feet tends to lose moisture easily. This can occur from a variety of factors, such as exposure to dry indoor heating, cold weather and from wearing shoes that do not protect the back of the foot. Once the feet become dehydrated, the skin can become rough and thick, forming calluses to protect the heel. Over time, the calluses can crack, and can cause discomfort, pain, and even infection. If you notice that your heels are dry, cracked, itchy, tender, or discolored, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. John R. Northrup from Superior Foot, Ankle & Wound 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 one of our offices located in St. Augustine, and Palm Coast, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The arch is the gently curved part of the foot that is located in the center of the sole, just in front of the heel. Some people lack a visible arch and have what is known as “flat feet.” Flat feet can be flexible or rigid. People with flexible flat feet have an arch, but it is only visible when they do not put weight on their feet. People with rigid flat feet do not have a visible arch regardless of whether or not their feet are bearing weight. Rigid flat feet are commonly caused by congenital vertical talus, a condition in which the foot bones are not aligned properly, or lateral subtalar dislocation, a condition in which feet that once had arches flatten over time due to a dislocation of the talus bone. If you have flat feet and notice any pain or discomfort, please see a podiatrist for treatment.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. John R. Northrup from Superior Foot, Ankle & Wound Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. Augustine, and Palm Coast, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection caused by fungi that thrive and grow in warm and moist environments such as showers, locker rooms, and pools. Because Athlete’s foot is very contagious, it can even spread from towels, floors, or clothing. Athlete’s foot presents itself as a red, scaly rash between the toes. The infection will become itchy and form blisters, and the skin will become cracked and peel. As the infection spreads to the toenails, they will become thick and discolored as well. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the entire foot and even to the hands. Because of how contagious it is, it is important to keep the feet dry and to not share any personal items such as socks, shoes, or towels. If you notice the signs of Athlete’s foot, visiting a podiatrist is suggested.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. John R. Northrup from Superior Foot, Ankle & Wound Care.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. Augustine, and Palm Coast, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Corns are small, circular, thickened areas of skin on the feet that have a central core of hard material. They get their name due to their resemblance to a kernel of corn. Corns are caused by repeated pressure on the skin, usually from shoes rubbing against the area. They can form on the soles of the feet, the tops of the toes, or in between the toes. Usually, the corns that form in between the toes are softer than those that form elsewhere on the foot. If you have corns that are causing pain or discomfort, a podiatrist can help treat them. The doctor may suggest changes to your footwear, prescribe orthotic inserts, or remove the thickened skin. For more information about corns on the feet, please speak with a podiatrist.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. John R. Northrup of Superior Foot, Ankle & Wound Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. Augustine, and Palm Coast, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.