If the skin on the heels becomes dry, a condition that is known as cracked heels may develop. Deep cuts in the skin, which are referred to as fissures, may cause pain and discomfort, and it may be difficult to put weight on the feet. Common reasons why cracked heels may develop can include standing for extended periods of time for the majority of the day, and wearing shoes that have an open back. Additionally, if there are existing medical conditions that often include psoriasis and eczema, the chances of developing this ailment may increase. Mild relief may be found when the feet are washed and dried, followed by using a good moisturizer. If you have severely cracked heels, it is strongly advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can guide you toward the proper prevention and treatment techniques.
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 Dr. Kevin F. Gallagher from Gallagher Podiatry. Our doctor 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
Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels
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 one of our offices located in McMurray and Hickory, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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A protruding bone at the base of the big toe is referred to as a bunion. There are common symptoms that are associated with this condition. These typically include calloused and hard skin on top of the bunion, and swelling as a result of wearing shoes. Bunions are known to be caused by genetics, and many patients may develop this uncomfortable condition from wearing shoes that do not fit properly. There are several treatment options that may be effective, including wearing orthotics, taking painkillers, or using bunion pads. For severe bunions, surgery may be a viable option, if permanent removal of the bunion is warranted. There are measures that can be implemented that can help to prevent this condition from occurring. These include wearing shoes that have adequate room for the toes to move freely, and to avoid wearing high heels. If you believe you may have bunions, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly diagnosis and treat this condition.
If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Dr. Kevin F. Gallagher of Gallagher Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Bunion?
Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.
Causes
Symptoms
In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in McMurray and Hickory, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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A corn on the foot will typically develop as a result of friction the foot endures. This can come from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, not wearing socks, or performing repetitive actions, such as running and jogging. Corns can be quite painful, and there are several ways to find mild relief. Wearing socks may help to put a barrier between the shoe and the foot. Additionally, if the corn is caused by wearing poorly-fitting shoes, it is beneficial to properly measure your foot, which will help to determine the correct shoe size. There are patients who find comfort in applying a lotion to the affected area. This can be helpful in softening the skin, which may prevent the corn from cracking. If you are afflicted with a corn, it is advised to seek the counsel of a podiatrist, who can suggest the best treatment, and recommend preventive measures.
If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Kevin F. Gallagher of Gallagher Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.
Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:
Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in McMurray and Hickory, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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The medical condition that is referred to as gout is a painful ailment that affects the feet. More specifically, the joints in the big toe are typically distressed if this form of arthritis develops. It can cause severe pain and discomfort and may lead to joint deformities if it is not treated early. It occurs as a result of excess uric acid that exists in the blood levels. This may produce crystals that lodge in the joints of the big toe. This condition is typically caused by eating foods that are high in purine levels. These often include red meat, shellfish, and alcohol. There are methods that can be implemented, which may prevent gout attacks from occurring. These can consist of losing weight, performing a daily exercise routine, and eating healthy foods. If you are having pain in the big toe and surrounding areas and would like additional information about how gout affects the feet, please consult with a podiatrist.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Kevin F. Gallagher from Gallagher Podiatry. 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 one of our offices located in McMurray and Hickory, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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