Cracked heels, a common foot condition, often arise from dry skin, which can be exacerbated by various medical conditions. For instance, individuals with diabetes may develop neuropathy, a nerve condition that impairs the ability to sweat, leading to increased skin dryness. This lack of perspiration contributes significantly to the development of dry, cracked heels. Similarly, Sjogren’s syndrome, predominantly observed in women, is an autoimmune disorder where the body mistakenly attacks its moisture-producing glands, including those responsible for perspiration. This attack results in notably dry skin, heightening the risk of cracked heels. Additionally, specific skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and fungal infections directly affect the skin's moisture balance. These conditions lead to the skin becoming dry and less elastic, making it more prone to cracking, especially in the heel area, which bears significant weight and pressure during walking and standing. These medical factors underscore the importance of understanding and managing underlying health conditions to prevent or treat cracked heels effectively. If you have cracked heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and a determination of whether there is an underlying medical problem, in addition to receiving correct treatment.

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 Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. 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 one of our offices located in North Andover, and Tewksbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis, a common ailment that affects the feet, reveals itself as an inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes. This vital ligament plays a pivotal role in supporting the arch of the foot and absorbing shock during movement. The onset of plantar fasciitis often stems from repetitive stress or overuse, manifesting in micro-tears that lead to inflammation and pain. Contributing factors can include excessive standing, walking, or running, especially on hard surfaces, as well as wearing ill-fitting footwear that fails to provide adequate support. Tight calf muscles and abnormal foot mechanics can also contribute to the strain on the plantar fascia. Understanding the definition and causes of plantar fasciitis enables individuals to adopt preventive measures. If you have developed plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can help you with effective treatment methods, in addition to providing you with relief techniques for this painful condition.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in North Andover, and Tewksbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Our feet play a crucial role in maintaining our balance and preventing accidental falls. When it comes to fall prevention, the importance of foot protection is often overlooked. Wearing proper footwear is an essential element in safeguarding against slips, trips, and stumbles. Shoes with slip-resistant soles can provide traction on various surfaces, reducing the risk of sliding. Well-fitting shoes offer stability and support, minimizing the chances of ankle twists or sprains. Additionally, shoes with adequate cushioning can absorb shock and reduce the impact on joints, preventing balance disruptions. Footwear that fits properly and comfortably can help maintain stability and decrease the likelihood of tripping. Whether it is at home, in the workplace, or outdoors, choosing the right shoes for the occasion can make a significant difference in fall prevention, keeping you on your feet and safe. If you would like additional information about the importance of wearing shoes that fit correctly which may help to prevent falling, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in North Andover, and Tewksbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Supination, or underpronation, occurs when your body weight shifts to the outer edges of your feet during walking or running. In a normal stride, your foot should gently roll inward, or pronate, distributing your weight evenly across the ball of the foot, and pushing off using the big toe. In supination, most of the weight is on the outer edge, with push-off from the outer toes. These faulty foot mechanics can have significant implications for overall health. Excessive supination can lead to issues such as back and hip pain, knee stress, ankle injuries, and heel pain. The abnormal weight distribution also increases the risk of chronic pain and injuries, and makes you more susceptible to ankle problems and other foot conditions. Supination can result from inherited structural problems in the foot, like high arches. Weakness in the muscles of the foot, ankle, and leg can also contribute. Footwear that lacks sufficient support, body misalignment, or prior foot injuries that have damaged tendons or muscles can also be factors. To address problems caused by excessive supination, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can diagnose your structural foot problems, perform a gait analysis, and provide appropriate treatment options.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in North Andover, and Tewksbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.