Items filtered by date: February 2023

Cracked heels can result from increased pressure on the feet caused by excess weight or standing too long. Under such pressure, the fat pad under the heel tries to expand, and with dried skin or from wearing open-heeled shoes, there is no support to shore up the expansion so the skin around the heels starts to crack. Sometimes, dry or cracked heels can occur from an underlying medical condition, like diabetes or hypothyroidism, both of which reduce sweating and create more dryness. This unsightly condition can start out as small cracks on thickened, dry skin, and calluses may form over the cracks. This can develop into deeper cracks and can even bleed, and it can hurt to walk. Once this happens, the possibility of infection increases. If you suffer from cracked heels, you can try to moisturize your feet more often to see if it helps, but due to the possibility of this getting out of hand and leading to further complications, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can examine your heels and recommend the best treatment for you.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. James D. McAlexander from Gig Harbor Foot and Ankle Clinic. 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 Gig Harbor, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a type of arthritis most commonly affecting the big toe that can show itself as redness, tenderness, swelling in joints, and severe pain. Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body. Uric acid is a part of purines, an ingredient found in several foods. A process happens when uric acid crystals build up in joints. This condition can limit the range of movement, making it difficult to exercise or walk. Those most prone to gout include obese people, those with a genetic predisposition, and men. To help prevent gout, it is suggested to avoid alcohol, increase water intake, and reduce the consumption of sugary beverages, fish, and red meat. Gout is often diagnosed after an acute attack of symptoms, and a blood test can determine the levels of uric acid. A podiatrist can also perform other tests and provide treatment that will help relieve symptoms of gout. If you suffer from gout, it is a good idea to see a podiatrist today.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. James D. McAlexander from Gig Harbor Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor 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 office located in Gig Harbor, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A heel spur is essentially a hook-shaped bony formation that can sometimes develop on the underside of an individual’s heel bone. The spur will grow and point toward the toes of the foot. Interestingly, there has been some debate within the scientific community about the exact etiology, or cause, of heel spurs. For example, one’s hereditary propensity towards heel spurs was thought to be a contributing factor to the development of heel spurs. Today, it is primarily thought that excessive pronation is the main culprit for heel spurs. Overpronation is associated with unnatural biomechanics of the feet. This is all to say that excessive pressure or an awkward way of moving the feet when engaging in physical activity can contribute significantly to the development of heel spurs. Consider contacting a podiatrist today for more information about heel spurs and for any treatment that you might need.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Dr. James D. McAlexander from Gig Harbor Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Gig Harbor, WA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Plantar warts are affected areas of the skin on the bottom, or soles, of the feet. Importantly, the plantar warts are spread by the human papillomavirus. There are certain areas and environments in which the spread of this virus is more likely or expected. For example, public swimming pools are a primary breeding ground for the development of plantar warts. This is because many people are often walking around the sides of pools without any shoes. Also, this virus thrives in moist, warm environments. There are several things that you might consider doing to protect your feet from developing plantar warts if you regularly frequent public pools. Most importantly, you might consider simply wearing flip flops or some form of foot protection when walking around the pool. This protects the feet from making contact with any substances that can lead to the development of plantar warts. Contact a podiatrist today for more information.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. James D. McAlexander from Gig Harbor Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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