Blog - Foot Doctor, Chambersburg and McConnellsburg, PA

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.

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 Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. Our doctor 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 offices located in Chambersburg, and Mcconnellsburg, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot and ankle injuries are very common in sports, especially among people that play tennis, soccer and run on a regular basis. That is why it is necessary to take some precautions in order to prevent injury. To start off, it is important to warm up the muscles before a sporting activity. Doing a light stretch and a slow jog for two to three minutes will do the trick. A second tip is to condition your muscles. The amount of time spent on a certain activity should be increased gradually over a period of a couple weeks to build both muscle strength and mobility. A third tip is to choose athletic shoes that specifically fit your foot type. People whose feet pronate or who have low arches need shoes that provide support in both the front of the shoe and under the arch. It is also recommended to choose a shoe with more cushion and a softer platform. A fourth tip is to avoid running or stepping on uneven surfaces. Holes, tree stumps, roots and paths with a rocky terrain or loose gravel should be avoided when running. If you have ankle problems, it is best to run on a softer surface like asphalt instead of concrete. A final tip is to listen to your body. If foot and ankle pain is experienced during a sport, you should stop taking part in the activity until the pain fully subsides. It is vital to go through a full rehabilitation process before returning to the sport. This is done to prevent any recurrent injuries. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury while playing a sport, it is advised to see a podiatrist. 

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Muscle strains
• Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
• Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

• Bruising
• Inflammation/ Swelling
• Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Chambersburg, and Mcconnellsburg, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care 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 Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Our doctor 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 Chambersburg, and Mcconnellsburg, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The medical condition that is referred to as cracked heels originates from having extremely dry skin on the heel area of the foot. This can come from standing for extended periods of time throughout the day, or from having certain medical conditions that may include psoriasis. Many people who are overweight experience cracked heels, as a result of the added weight the feet must endure. Additionally, if open back shoes are frequently worn, this condition may develop due to inadequate support these types of shoes provide. The symptoms that are often associated with this ailment include a thickening of skin on the outside of the heel. The skin may turn a dark brown or yellowish color, and cracks in the skin can develop as weight is placed on the heel. This affliction can cause severe pain and discomfort. Mild relief may be found when the feet are washed and dried daily, followed by thoroughly moisturizing them. If you have developed cracked heels, it is advised to consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward healing and prevention techniques.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. 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 offices located in Chambersburg, and Mcconnellsburg, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.