Items filtered by date: April 2023

Cracked heels can occur when the skin on the back of the heels becomes excessively dry, due to a lack of moisture. These cracks may deepen and collect debris, which are known as fissures. Many different things can contribute to the development of cracked heels. Standing for prolonged periods of time, for example, can lead to the onset of cracked heels. Particularly, if an individual is standing on hard surfaces, such as concrete or uneven terrain, this may also be a reason this ailment may develop. If you are someone who must stand for hours at a time, then wearing supportive footwear that is padded may improve your situation. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today if you are concerned about getting cracked heels from standing. 

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Jon McCreary, DPM from Fort Worth Podiatry. 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 Fort Worth, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A blister, sometimes referred to as a shoe bite, is an area of the foot that rubs against the shoe and causes pain. The first order of business in preventing blisters is to wear shoes that fit properly. Wearing socks will help provide a cushion between the foot and the shoe. Toe protectors or toe caps can cushion toes from shoes and prevent painful friction. Shoe pads or insoles can also help prevent any abrasive areas. If you have developed a blister, it is important to stop wearing the shoes that caused it and wear open shoes so they can heal. Putting a bandage over the blister while it is healing can help prevent infection. If a blister does not heal, worsens, or becomes infected, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Jon McCreary, DPM of Fort Worth Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often 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.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

There is a narrow passageway that is found inside the ankle and is connected by soft tissue and bone. This is known as the tarsal tunnel, and the posterior tibial nerve is located within this area. Tarsal tunnel syndrome may develop if this nerve becomes damaged, and may happen if there is consistent pressure. The symptoms that patients notice are sharp pain, and a tingling or burning sensation. There may be existing medical conditions that may lead to the development of tarsal tunnel syndrome. These can consist of having flat feet, diabetes, or inflammation from arthritis. A proper diagnosis consists of having a Tinel’s sign test performed. This is done by pressing the affected nerve with the intention of triggering symptoms that represent tarsal tunnel syndrome. Resting the foot can bring temporary relief, and it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can offer options for permanent relief.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Jon McCreary, DPM of Fort Worth Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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

Foot pain, whether mild or severe, can be a significant disruption and annoyance for many patients. Foot pain can have many different potential causes. One overlooked, yet serious, cause of foot pain is dehydration. When the human body becomes dehydrated and lacks water, then the muscles in the feet can spasm or cramp as a result. The body can become dehydrated for a variety of different reasons, such as lack of water or loss of fluids. Muscle cramps in the feet can cause a range of symptoms. Specifically, they can cause sharp painful sensations, as well as swelling of some sort. If you are someone that struggles with foot pain and cramps from dehydration, then it is highly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who will be able to address any concerns that you might have and provide proper treatment. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Jon McCreary, DPM from Fort Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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