Having cracked heels is a foot condition that can cause embarrassment. It is defined as cracks that develop in the skin of the heels and may become fissures if conservative treatment does not work. Cracked heels can happen for a variety of reasons, including wearing shoes that have an open back, or standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day. Additionally, frequently wearing flip-flops may lead to developing cracked heels, as a result of the lack of support most of these types of shoes have. Elderly people may notice they have cracked heels. The heel pads can lose elasticity, possibly causing cracked heels. People who are overweight may also be prone to getting cracked heels, which can be from the extra weight the heels must endure. Relief may be found when the feet are soaked in warm water, followed by applying a good moisturizer on them. If you have cracked heels, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you effective prevention and relief methods.

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 DeCaro Total Foot Care Center. 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 West Hatfield, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Anyone is at risk for getting the foot condition that is known as gout, despite it being more prevalent among men. The chances may increase in women after menopause, and it generally does not happen before then. Existing medical conditions may lead to developing gout, including obesity, alcoholism, and high blood pressure. A genetic history may also contribute to getting gout, in addition to eating foods that have high levels of purines. These types of foods consist of red meat, shellfish, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. The purines convert to uric acid in the blood, and excess uric acid turns to crystals which can lodge in the joints of the big toe. This can cause debilitating pain, and it may be so severe it can be difficult to walk up steps. If you have had one or more bouts of gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from DeCaro Total Foot Care Center. Our doctors 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 West Hatfield, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Corns on the feet can develop as a result of excessive pressure from shoes and socks that are worn. A corn is a small, hardened area of skin that often forms on the side of the pinky toe but may also form on top of the toes. While corns are generally uncomfortable, relief may be found when the pressure is removed and better fitting socks and shoes are worn. If the corn is severe, it may be surgically removed, which is a minor procedure. Many people choose to use a protective pad that is worn over the corn, which may be helpful in temporarily reducing the amount of pain. Maintaining proper foot care may be beneficial in preventing corns from developing. This can consist of washing and drying the feet thoroughly, followed by using a pumice stone that can remove hard skin. This is a practice that can help people who see the beginning of a corn developing. If you have one or more corns on your foot, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can treat it accordingly, and offer you additional prevention tips.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of DeCaro Total Foot Care Center. Our doctors 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:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Heel pain is a common foot condition. It can happen for a variety of reasons and generally causes severe pain and discomfort. Plantar fasciitis is a foot ailment that affects the plantar fascia. This is defined as the band of tissue that connects the toes to the heels and is found on the bottom of the foot. An injury can cause the plantar fascia to become torn or irritated, and many patients will seek medical attention for relief. People who have endured an Achilles tendon injury may have heel pain at the point where the Achilles tendon connects to the calf muscles. Children and young teenagers who participate in sporting activities may develop Sever’s disease. This is a foot condition that affects the growth plate in the heel, and temporarily stopping the activity that caused the condition may bring mild relief. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer treatment methods that are correct for you.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of DeCaro Total Foot Care Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in West Hatfield, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A broken ankle develops when an individual breaks, or fractures, one or more of the bones in the ankle area. In order to determine whether or not the ankle has in fact been fractured, a medical professional may perform an X-ray. An ankle X-ray can look at each of the different types of bones in the ankle, including the tibia, fibula, and talus. Importantly, there are different types of views that an ankle X-ray may capture. For example, this type of X-ray can present an AP, mortise, and lateral view. Each of these different types of views show various angles of the ankle area. Having an ankle X-ray taken is helpful for a medical professional and the patient because it can illuminate which areas of the ankle have been impacted. If you are someone that has recently broken their ankle, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for an appointment.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from DeCaro Total Foot Care Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

People with flat feet who enjoy running may experience challenges in finding the right running shoe. There are several factors to consider when deciding which type of shoe to purchase. These can consist of the gait cycle, the individual foot, and the range of motion. Some people have collapsed arches that can cause their feet to become flat due to muscle weakness. Patients with flat feet may opt for a shoe that has additional arch support to help the foot regain strength. Adults who have anatomically flat feet may choose a shoe without arch support, which may help to protect the knees. Research has shown that many flat-footed runners may feel better when stability shoes are worn, even though they may not help to correct the foot structure. Wearing a full-contact midsole shoe may help to protect the entire foot while running, therefore, these shoes are a popular choice among people who have flat feet. If you have flat feet and would like more information about what type of running shoes to purchase, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the best choice.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from DeCaro Total Foot Care Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

The ankle is a complex and hard-working joint that bears multiple times the weight of your body with each step. It also is tasked with swiveling and flexing in three directions, a combined effort of the talus bone in the ankle and the tibia bone in the leg. Sometimes an ankle sprain or other condition will stop the joint from doing its work, and the ankle joint seems to lock up. This might be the result of a chip of bone or fragment of cartilage that is caught between the two bones. It can feel like gravel is in the ankle joint, and it is common among younger athletes. In other cases, diminished blood flow to the joint may result in the cartilage drying out, which affects the motion of the joint. Symptoms include prolonged ankle pain, swelling, and instability of the ankle joint. If you are experiencing this type of ankle pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.  

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from DeCaro Total Foot Care Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

Many people enjoy walking and may be concerned about blisters developing on their feet. Blisters produce pain and discomfort and may also cause the gait, or walking style, to change. Blisters are often caused by excess friction due to the shoes and socks that are worn. A common place they develop is on the back of the heel as the foot rubs against the shoe. With enough friction, a bubble forms that is filled with a protective liquid to protect the damaged skin. The bubble will gradually drain as new skin forms under it, and a bandage may be worn to help prevent it from popping prematurely. There may be existing medical conditions, like psoriasis and eczema, that can cause a blister to form. Frostbite, extreme sunburn, or an allergic reaction to an insect bite may also result in a blister. If you would like to learn about effective blister prevention methods, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with the information you are seeking.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of DeCaro Total Foot Care Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

Research has shown that walking is one of the best low-impact activities that can help people who have arthritis in their feet. This condition can affect people of all ages, and it may be more prevalent among the elderly. Walking can also be beneficial for overall physical health, and many patients notice the positive feeling that is associated with walking. There are three main categories of arthritis, and these are referred to as osteo, rheumatoid, and post-traumatic arthritis. Walking can strengthen the bones in the feet, and stress on the joints may be reduced. It is beneficial to start out slowly, and steps can be increased as time progresses. Patients who have arthritis in their feet may reap the benefits of walking by stretching first, drinking plenty of water, and wearing shoes that fit correctly. Additionally, the range of motion in the ankle may be improved when specific stretches are performed. If you would like more information about how walking may help arthritis in the feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you manage this painful condition.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from DeCaro Total Foot Care Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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