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Cracked heels, while physically embarrassing, can also bring a great deal of discomfort and pain to the affected foot. Some common causes of cracked heels may include open-back footwear, weather, and improper skin care. To help remove the dry skin, use a filer and gently scrape the areas that are hardened. Exfoliating, washing, and thoroughly drying the feet may also be beneficial to treating cracked heels. Using a daily moisturizer can also help to ease the discomfort of cracked heels, and it keeps the skin hydrated. In order to safely treat and heal cracked feet, seek the care of your podiatrist.

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.

The foot is made up of 26 bones. When tiny cracks form in the bones, a stress fracture develops, which is typically brought upon by repetitive force or overuse. Some common causes for this condition include walking or running on uneven surfaces, sudden movements that place the feet in unnatural positions, and repeatedly jumping up or down. With that being said, it’s very common for athletes to develop stress fracture, as they often participate in activities that involve the movements listed above. Systemic conditions such as osteoporosis, may also affect the likelihood of developing a stress fracture as this condition may weaken the bones. For more information on how  to treat this condition, it’s suggested that you seek the professional advice of a podiatrist.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, 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.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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.

It can be incredibly beneficial for elderly patients to regularly perform foot stretches. When a senior patient's feet are strong, as well as flexible, it may make them more likely to avoid accidentally falling. By performing stretches, you may increase your blood circulation, as well as improve your range of motion, muscle strength, and balance. One example of a foot stretch that is easily practiced is called an ankle rotation. This can be done by sitting up straight in a chair, and resting your ankle on the opposite knee. Begin rotating your ankle first clockwise, then counterclockwise, then you may switch ankles. For an additional stretch, make sure your toes are pointed straight during this exercise. For more advice on elderly foot care and low-impact exercises for the feet, it is suggested that you speak with your local podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. 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.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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.

Foot pain can be uncomfortable and make completing every day tasks harder. It can also impact how you walk and limit your mobility. To help alleviate foot pain, it may be beneficial to regularly practice certain stretches designed for strengthening the feet, as well as helping to keep the feet flexible and less tense. There are a number of different stretches you can perform that may benefit certain areas of your lower extremities. For example, one stretch you can perform helps to build your plantar fascia and calf muscles. To complete this stretch, stand on a step, and while holding onto a banister, begin to lower your heel over the edge of the step until you feel the stretch, then hold that position for 15-30 seconds. Then you can slowly bring your heel up, and switch to the other foot and repeat that same action. Another stretch you can practice may benefit your toes, as well as the rest of your foot. Sit on the floor with your legs straight out, then wrap a towel underneath your toes. Grab each end of the towel and begin to pull the towel toward you. Again, you may hold this position for 15-30 seconds. For more information on how different stretches can benefit your feet, it’s suggested that you contact a podiatrist for professional advice.

Why Stretching Is Important for Your Feet

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first to determine if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous exercise, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising to ice and rest the foot. It is advised that you then see a podiatrist for help.

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.

One of the most well known fungal foot conditions is athlete’s foot. This condition is a contagious skin infection that, as its name suggests, tends to primarily affect athletes. Because athletes’ are likely to get sweaty, hot feet while partaking in their sporting activity, their footwear becomes a space that fungus can likely thrive and grow in due to the dark, moist environment. Some common symptoms of this condition may include an irritating rash on the affected foot, dry skin, and psoriasis. For more information on what symptoms to look out for, it’s suggested to ask a podiatrist.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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.

Hammertoe is a common foot condition among people worldwide, and it is considered to be a deformity. It occurs as a result of shortened tendons in the joints of the middle toe. These are tissues that link the bone to the muscle, and may cause the affected toe to bend at the joint, and resemble a hammer. There are several reasons why this condition may occur. These can include genetic factors, or from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Additionally, there may be existing medical conditions that can consist of high arches, or certain types of arthritis which can precede the onset of hammertoe. It may help to change the type of shoes that are worn, and many patients choose to have surgery performed that can permanently straighten the toe. If you have developed hammertoe, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly treat this ailment.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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.

An injury that has damaged the ligaments of the ankle is often referred to as an ankle sprain. If the ligaments completely tear, the sprain is said to be severe, and can produce extreme pain and discomfort. If the ligaments become irritated, you may have endured a mild ankle sprain, and this may happen as a result of overstretching. Once the injury has occurred, a proper diagnosis is typically performed, which can be helpful in ruling out a broken ankle. Many patients find it beneficial to wrap the affected ankle in an elastic bandage, as this aids in providing necessary support as the healing process occurs. If you feel you have sprained your ankle, please consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible so they can effectively treat this condition.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further 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.

Located on the bottom of the foot, there is a large portion of tissue that connects the heel to the toes. This is known as the plantar fascia, and if it becomes inflamed, the condition known as plantar fasciitis may develop. This condition can occur for a variety of reasons. These can include standing for extended periods of time throughout the day on a hard surface, participating in running or jumping activities, or from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Common symptoms that are often associated with plantar fasciitis can include swelling, severe pain after arising in the morning, and it may be difficult to walk. You may find relief when proper foot stretches are performed, and when the affected foot is elevated, as this may help to diminish existing swelling. It is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist if you experience any symptoms of plantar fasciitis.

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.