Cracked heels occur when the skin on the heel becomes dry  and thick, and splits due to pressure and reduced moisture. Common causes include prolonged standing, wearing open back shoes, and lack of proper hydration of the skin. A frequent reason is athlete’s foot, a fungal infection that weakens the skin barrier, leading to peeling and increased risk of fissures. Symptoms include rough texture, flaking, itching, discomfort, and painful cracks that may worsen over time. Risk factors include dry environments, obesity, poor foot hygiene, and wearing unsupportive footwear. A podiatrist can safely remove thickened skin, treat infections, and recommend effective moisturizers and footwear. If you have developed cracked heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately treat this condition, which may include prescribed medication.

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 doctors from New Jersey and New York. 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 offices located in Little Silver, NJ and New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by excess uric acid in the blood that forms sharp crystals in the joints. It most often affects the big toe because cooler temperatures in the extremities encourage crystal formation, and the joint experiences frequent pressure. Symptoms include sudden severe pain, redness, swelling, warmth, and tenderness in the affected area. Diagnosis involves a medical evaluation, uric acid blood testing, joint fluid analysis to identify crystals, and imaging such as X-rays or ultrasounds to detect inflammation and joint damage. Risk factors include high purine diets, alcohol intake, obesity, kidney disease, and genetics. A podiatrist can diagnose gout, manage pain, and recommend lifestyle changes and treatment options. If you have symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and help you to manage this painful condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our doctors from New Jersey and New York. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Little Silver, NJ and New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Puncture wounds from pedaling injuries are common in children and teens and occur when the foot slips off a bicycle pedal and strikes the sharp metal surface. This can cause small but deep wounds that may introduce bacteria into the skin. Symptoms include pain, bleeding, swelling, and tenderness. In some cases, signs of infection such as redness or drainage may develop. Risk factors include bike riding without proper footwear, wet or worn pedals, and lack of experience or control while cycling. Without prompt care, complications can arise. A podiatrist can help by properly cleaning the wound to prevent infection and guiding healing. If your child has a foot injury from cycling, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide effective treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our doctors from New Jersey and New York. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Little Silver, NJ and New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An ankle fracture is a break in one or more of the bones that form the ankle joint, often caused by twisting injuries, falls, or high-impact activities. These injuries are common in men below fifty, and may occur when the joint is exposed to forces up to five times one’s body weight. Risk factors include sports participation, wearing improper footwear, and poor balance. Symptoms often include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Prompt evaluation is essential to ensure proper healing and to prevent long-term complications. A podiatrist can diagnose the injury, provide appropriate treatment, and guide recovery through supportive care and rehabilitation. If you have symptoms of a broken ankle, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our doctors from New Jersey and New York. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Little Silver, NJ and New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain and inflammation. This condition is often caused by improper nail trimming, toe injuries, genetic factors, or repetitive foot stress from activities like running or wearing tight shoes. Risk factors include curved nails, poor foot hygiene, and excessive pressure on the toes. Symptoms include pain along the nail edge, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection with drainage. Without proper care, an ingrown toenail can worsen and make walking uncomfortable. A podiatrist can safely treat ingrown toenails by relieving pressure, removing the affected portion of the nail, and preventing recurrence through proper care techniques. If you have symptoms of an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for treatment solutions, which may include minor surgery.

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 one of our doctors of New Jersey and New York. 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 offices located in Little Silver, NJ and New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.