Items filtered by date: September 2023

Heel fissures are cracks that can develop on your heels, causing pain and potentially leading to infection if left untreated. The root cause of heel fissures often stems from the skin's lack of moisture. This can be the result of several underlying conditions, including fungal infection, diabetes, psoriasis, and eczema. The development of heel fissures can be accelerated by other factors as well, such as prolonged standing, regularly wearing open back shoes, and obesity. Prevention tips include applying a rich, hydrating foot cream consistently to maintain soft and supple skin. This can help to prevent cracked heels from turning into fissures. Regular exfoliation of the heels with a pumice stone after bathing helps to remove dead skin cells and promote healing. Preventing heel fissures involves staying well-hydrated, opting for supportive footwear, and maintaining a healthy weight. In severe cases, especially for persistent heel fissures that may have become infected, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist as quickly as possible.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Kristopher Jerry, DPM from Podiatry Health Services . 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 Port St Lucie, Stuart, and Hollywood, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When it comes to foot comfort, wearing the right shoe size is crucial. Many people unknowingly wear the wrong size, which can lead to foot pain and various conditions. Determining your proper shoe size is essential for getting the best support and comfort for your feet, whether you are shopping for running shoes, athletic shoes, or everyday footwear. To measure your shoe size, you can place your bare foot on a piece of paper, trace its outline, mark the longest and widest points, and measure both length and width. You should add about half an inch to the length measurement to find your ideal shoe size. If you are in between sizes, going up a size is recommended for added comfort. Regularly measuring your feet is advisable as they can change over time. If you have further questions about how to find the right size shoes for your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide you with additional tips.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Kristopher Jerry, DPM from Podiatry Health Services . Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Port St Lucie, Stuart, and Hollywood, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Edema, the swelling or puffiness of body parts, can be a common discomfort during pregnancy. It typically affects the feet, ankles, and legs. This condition can also result in discomfort, potentially limiting the range of motion in your ankles. Edema occurs when excess fluid accumulates in the body's tissues. Several factors can contribute to this buildup, including gravity, diet, medication, and certain medical conditions. Fluid is naturally pulled down into your legs and feet, and sitting or standing for prolonged periods, especially in hot weather, can make swelling worse. Excessive amounts of salt can lead to fluid retention. Edema is not contagious, nor does it have a genetic predisposition. Regular exercise, such as walking, can aid in reducing edema by working the calf muscles, which assist in fluid circulation. It is also a good idea to elevate your legs as often as possible and wear some type of compression socks. Edema during pregnancy is a common occurrence, but it can be managed with lifestyle modifications and medical intervention. For more information on edema in the feet and ankles, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Kristopher Jerry, DPM from Podiatry Health Services . Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Port St Lucie, Stuart, and Hollywood, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pronation is a natural foot movement that occurs when you walk or run. As you take a step, your foot lands on the outer heel and subsequently rolls inward to distribute weight and absorb impact. Too much pronation, known as overpronation, amplifies this movement and can cause the foot to roll inward too far. This results in excessive weight being forced onto the inner part of the sole, which strains ligaments, muscles, and tendons and increases the risk of pain, injury, and foot ailments. Loose joints and ligaments are thought to be the main cause of overpronation. Numerous conditions can arise due to this problem, including plantar fasciitis, bunions, and Achilles tendonitis. Heel spurs, sprains, and pain in other body parts can also result from overpronation. Genetic factors, pregnancy, excessive weight, and specific foot deformities may also be factors. Diagnosing overpronation can involve a gait analysis to assess walking and running patterns, but many other solutions to manage and alleviate overpronation are available. Included are stabilizing shoes and orthotics that can offer extra arch support, help to curb excessive movement, and reduce lower body stress. If you have foot pain that may be caused by overpronation, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Kristopher Jerry, DPM from Podiatry Health Services . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Port St Lucie, Stuart, and Hollywood, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.