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Cracked heels, or heel fissures, occur when the skin surrounding the heels becomes dry, thickened, and inflamed. One common cause of cracked heels is diabetes, where poor circulation and nerve damage lead to dry skin and a higher risk of infections. Diabetic heel fissures are often more severe due to decreased sensitivity in the feet, which can prevent individuals from noticing wounds early. Other causes include prolonged standing, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or having flat feet, which increase pressure on the heels. Symptoms of cracked heels include pain, redness, swelling, and visible cracks or splits in the skin, sometimes accompanied by bleeding or infection. If you have diabetes and have developed cracked heels, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment therapies.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Livingston Foot Care Specialists. 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 our office located in North Bellmore, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Achilles tendonitis is a common condition that causes pain, stiffness, and swelling along the back of the leg near the heel. It occurs when the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, becomes inflamed due to overuse or sudden strain. Athletes, runners, and those who frequently engage in high-impact activities are most at risk, especially if they increase activity intensity too quickly. Symptoms include a dull ache or sharp pain during movement, tenderness, and difficulty flexing the foot. Without proper care, the condition can worsen, leading to chronic pain or even tendon rupture. If you have this type of pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Livingston Foot Care Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in North Bellmore, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A bunion is a deformity that occurs when the big toe and its connecting joint shift out of alignment, often resulting in a bony bump at the base of the toe. A bunion, also referred to as hallux valgus, can cause pain, redness, and swelling in the big toe joint, particularly when wearing tight or narrow shoes. Over time, the joint may become increasingly enlarged, and complications like bursitis, limited motion, or osteoarthritis can develop. Diagnosis is typically made through a podiatrist's examination and may include imaging scans to assess the extent of joint damage. Treatment of bunions often focuses on relieving pressure and discomfort through orthotic devices, wider footwear, or in severe cases, surgery to correct the misalignment. A podiatrist can provide personalized care to address symptoms, improve mobility, and prevent further progression of your bunion. If you have a painful bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Livingston Foot Care Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, often causing discomfort and irritation. The most common symptoms include itching, burning, and redness between the toes or on the soles of the feet. In some cases, the skin may begin to crack, peel, or blister, which can lead to pain or tenderness. The infection may also cause a foul odor, especially if it is left untreated. In severe cases, athlete's foot can spread to the toenails or the rest of the body. The fungus thrives in warm, damp environments, so people who frequent public pools, gyms, or locker rooms are at higher risk. Proper hygiene, such as keeping the feet dry and using antifungal treatments, is essential for managing and preventing athlete's foot. Athlete’s foot can be uncomfortable and unsightly. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

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 one of our podiatrists from Livingston Foot Care Specialists.  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 our office located in North Bellmore, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Crooked toes, such as hammertoe, claw toe, and mallet toe, are deformities that cause the toes to bend abnormally. Hammertoe involves a middle joint that bends downward, while claw toe affects both joints, causing the toe to curl downward like a claw. Mallet toe is similar to hammertoe but affects only the joint closest to the toenail, causing it to bend down. Common symptoms include pain, difficulty walking, corns, and calluses on the tops of or between the toes. Wearing tight footwear often worsens these conditions. Relief and treatment options include wearing properly fitted shoes, using orthotics, and performing toe-stretching exercises. In more severe cases, a podiatrist may recommend splints, targeted exercises, or surgery to straighten the toes. If you have crooked toes and is causing pain or discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to receive an accurate diagnosis and explore treatment options.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Livingston Foot Care Specialists. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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