Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common reasons for heel pain, especially in adults who spend a lot of time on their feet. It occurs when the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot becomes irritated or strained. Repeated stress from walking, running, or standing for long periods can lead to small tears in the tissue. Wearing unsupportive shoes, having flat feet or high arches, and tight calf muscles can also increase the risk. Pain is usually worse with the first steps in the morning or after sitting for a long time. Left untreated, it can become a long-lasting issue that affects daily movement. If you are feeling sharp or aching pain under your heel, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Corinne R. Kauderer, DPM from Dyker Heights Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Excessive running
Having high arches in your feet
Other foot issues such as flat feet
Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
Being on your feet very often
There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.
Prevention
Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
Maintain a healthy weight
If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain
There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Brooklyn, NY and Old Bridge, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Cracked heels often develop when the skin becomes excessively dry or thick, making it prone to splitting. Factors such as exposure to hot water, harsh soaps, and low humidity can strip the feet of natural oils. Age-related changes like thinning fat pads and reduced skin renewal also make the feet more vulnerable to pressure and dryness. Health conditions, including diabetes, psoriasis, hypothyroidism, obesity, and poor circulation, can reduce the skin’s ability to heal, leading to deep fissures. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies may weaken the skin barrier, which increases the risk of cracks. Daily habits like standing for long periods and wearing ill-fitting shoes place additional stress on the heels. Other lifestyle factors such as smoking and walking barefoot can increase dryness and pressure. Poor foot hygiene, including neglecting regular moisturizing and exfoliation, often contributes to the formation of cracked heels. A podiatrist can diagnose the underlying cause, remove thickened skin, and prescribe medicated creams to address fissures. If you have cracked heels that cause pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate 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 Corinne R. Kauderer, DPM from Dyker Heights Foot & Ankle. 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
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 Brooklyn, NY and Old Bridge, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Bunions and bunionettes are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe and little toe, respectively. These deformities can be caused by genetics, wearing improper footwear, foot structure, or repetitive stress, such as the pressure from running. Over time, the joints become misaligned as the top of the toe pushes inward, resulting in discomfort. Symptoms may include swelling, redness, pain while walking or running, and visible bumps at the toe joints. Runners may feel a sharp pain or ache during activity, as repeated impact and tight shoes can increase pressure on the bunion. A podiatrist can assess your foot structure, gait, and running habits to recommend treatment. Options may include custom orthotics, footwear changes, padding, or targeted exercises to relieve pain and slow progression. In more severe cases, surgery may be considered. If you have a bunion or bunionette, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment to see a podiatrist.
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
Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development
Symptoms
Redness and inflammation
Pain and tenderness
Callus or corns on the bump
Restricted motion in the big toe
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 Brooklyn, NY and Old Bridge, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.
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