People who have cracked heels are often aware of how their feet look in flip flops, or other types of backless shoes. This condition can be unsightly, and it affects approximately 20 percent of people across the country. There are various reasons why cracked heels can develop. These can include standing on hard surfaces for much of the day and wearing shoes that do not support the heels. Additionally, there are certain medical ailments that may promote getting cracked heels, consisting of fungal infections and thyroid disorders. People who have psoriasis or specific vitamin deficiencies may be prone to getting this condition, and there are methods that can be implemented, which may help to prevent them. It is beneficial to wash and dry the feet thoroughly, followed by applying a good moisturizer on them. Wearing shoes that have a back may also help to stop the onset of cracked heels. For mildly cracked heels, some patients use a pumice stone that can exfoliate the dead skin. Severely cracked heels often require the expert advice of a podiatrist. If you have this condition, please contact this type of doctor who can prescribe medication for relief, if necessary.

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 podiatrists from Associates in Podiatry, PC. 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 Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Proper care of your child’s feet can go a long way in preventing issues as they age. Also, beginning a routine foot care regimen will help children continue this process for themselves. Washing the child’s feet daily is the first recommended habit. Once clean, they should be dried well, and a small amount of baby powder can be applied. When they are old enough to walk outdoors, buying shoes that are of quality and fit properly is imperative. Children’s feet grow fast so it is necessary to make sure their shoes do not get too tight to avoid damage to their feet. Using socks that are also the right size and made of wool or cotton are best since they will allow your child’s feet to be warm while giving them room to develop. A child’s toenails should be cut straight across and filed to smooth edges to prevent ingrown toenails. Lastly, allow children to go barefoot indoors, as their feet will develop best and gain strength when they are not restricted. If you have questions about how to best care for your children’s feet, or if issues with their feet arise, see a podiatrist, who is an expert in this area.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of Associates in Podiatry, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A noticeable symptom of toenail fungus is yellowish or white nails. In severe cases, they can eventually crumble and fall off, and it is advised that medical attention is sought from a podiatrist before this happens. It develops as a result of a fungus that enters the body through small cracks in the skin on the feet. This type of fungus lives and thrives in warm and moist environments, consisting of shower room floors and public swimming pools. It is beneficial to refrain from sharing towels, shoes and socks, in addition to wearing appropriate shoes while in these areas. Toenail fungus is treatable, and it generally takes up to a year for a complete recovery. After the fungus has stopped growing, the new nail will grow in, and prescribed medication is gradually stopped. If you see signs that you have developed toenail fungus, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who will take a sample of the fungus, and start you on the right treatment path.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Associates in Podiatry, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

When an individual sprains an ankle they may notice that the tissues or ligaments surrounding the ankle bones have become stretched or unnaturally torn. As a result, the ankle sprain might cause discomfort to the patient and they may demonstrate some kind of limitation in the degree of their ankle motion. An individual may notice that sleeping with an ankle that is sprained can be uncomfortable or difficult. There are several steps that one might consider taking when trying to sleep easier with a sprained ankle. The pain at night stemming from the sprained ankle largely depends on how you are caring for the ankle throughout the day. For example, resting, elevating, and possibly icing the ankle during the daytime may lead to decreased discomfort during the nighttime. Additionally, a person might consider elevating the foot to help mitigate the discomfort felt at night from an ankle sprain. If you are having trouble sleeping at night due to an ankle sprain, contact a podiatrist today. 

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Associates in Podiatry, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.