Items filtered by date: December 2020

Cracked heels can be both painful and unsightly, but with some simple care and attention, you can prevent and heal them. The key to healthy heels lies in consistent and gentle care. This can begin by moisturizing your feet daily, especially after a warm shower or bath. Opt for a thick, hydrating foot cream or petroleum jelly which can help to lock in moisture. Exfoliating regularly by using a pumice stone or foot scrub can help to remove dead skin, but make sure to be gentle to avoid further irritation. Wearing well-fitting shoes with proper arch support is essential. Avoid walking barefoot or wearing non-supportive footwear. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet and staying hydrated can help to nourish your skin from within. By following these gentle steps, you can keep your heels soft, smooth, and free from painful cracks. For severe cases of cracked heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for professional guidance. 

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 Leonard Talarico, DPM from Georgia. 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 our office located in Pooler, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis is a common and painful foot condition affecting millions of people annually, with approximately 20% of cases becoming chronic. Traditional treatments, such as stretching and medication, work in many but not all situations. The root cause of chronic plantar fasciitis is not inflammation, but tissue degeneration, which challenges the efficacy of anti inflammatory treatments. Surgery is an option but carries risks. Emerging minimally invasive therapies aim to stimulate tissue healing by enhancing local circulation. These include extracorporeal shockwave therapy, radiofrequency microtenotomy, platelet-rich plasma injections, and micromobile compression. Each of these treatments offers an alternative to traditional treatment or surgery for plantar fasciitis, and may help in chronic cases. Targeting the root cause of the ongoing nature of the condition is key. If you suffer from this disruptive affliction, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss whether a minimally invasive therapy may be an option worthy of your consideration.

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 Leonard Talarico, DPM from Georgia. 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 our office located in Pooler, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Stress fractures are microscopic cracks in bones, and can significantly impact foot health and mobility. These fractures are often the result of repetitive strain and overuse, which can gradually weaken the bones. Athletes, especially runners and dancers, are susceptible to developing a foot stress fracture, as a result of the constant impact on their feet. Sudden increases in activity intensity or duration can also trigger stress fractures. Factors such as wearing improper footwear, inadequate rest between activities, and poor foot structure can lead to a heightened risk of incurring a stress fracture. Additionally, medical conditions such as osteoporosis can reduce bone density, and increase vulnerability. Individuals with certain nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, or a history of stress fractures can face an elevated risk. Preventative measures include proper training progression, adequate nutrition, and wearing supportive shoes. If you have a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition. 

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Leonard Talarico, DPM from Georgia. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

Many people seek help for pain from plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the band of tissue that runs beneath the foot from the toes to the heel. Some simple remedies for plantar fasciitis include rest, exercise, and medication. It has also been found that shockwave therapy can be effective in reducing pain and helping to heal the plantar fascia. This non-invasive treatment consists of applying penetrating waves of ultrasound energy into the inflamed area. The body responds by creating new blood vessels and stimulates nerve endings that can help to heal the area. While the treatment occurs without any surgery, it can be painful. Sometimes multiple treatments are required, depending on the severity of the plantar fasciitis. Results of shockwave therapy may vary, but most commonly the pain of plantar fasciitis subsides. Fortunately, there are many ways to treat symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Please consult a podiatrist for more information on the treatment options that are best for you. 

Shockwave therapy is a treatment commonly used to treat various injuries and conditions, particularly plantar fasciitis in the feet. To learn more, consult with Leonard Talarico, DPM from Georgia. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a new treatment option designed to treat bone conditions such as tennis elbow, shoulder pain, and others. Shockwave therapy uses high intensity sound waves that are directed to the affected tissues of the body with pinpoint accuracy. The effects are very beneficial, leading to a production of collagen fibers, eliminating inflammation.

Who Benefits from Shockwave?

Shockwave is recommended for patients suffering from heel pain and associated problems. Heel pain is a common condition which can be caused by obesity, overexertion, and spending a substantial amount of time on hard floors with your feet exposed and unsupported.

Fast and Easy

The therapy is actually a simple process that can leave patients feeling better the very next day. Shockwave therapy is not as dramatic as it sounds. It enables more blood flow to effected areas, addressing the source of the problem and allowing treatment to last for a long time.

Treatment & Recovery Time

Shockwave treatment will enable your feet to recover quickly. This is especially important since surgery is not required. It is cost effective and does not require the use of anesthesia. This treatment is a better option to surgery, since it is proven safe.

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

When it comes to your workday, the right pair of appropriate work shoes can make all the difference. Spending hours on your feet can be grueling, especially if you're not wearing the proper footwear. Ill-fitting or worn-out shoes can lead to discomfort and even foot problems that linger long after you've left the workplace. Particular caution is needed with pointed-toe or high-heeled shoes, as they can create a host of issues. Lack of arch support, inadequate cushioning, and non-shock-absorbing shoes also contribute to workplace foot problems. Shoes that are too loose or too tight are equally problematic. For labor-intensive roles, like construction, more durable work shoes are essential. Foot pain and disorders often arise due to prolonged standing. Your feet are built for movement, so immobilization can lead to joint misalignment and inflammation. Ventilation is also key. In hot environments, non-porous uppers can lead to sweaty feet and fungal infections. Business casual or dress shoes require consideration of any foot issues. Non-slip outsoles are vital if you're frequently on the move at work, such as may be experienced by restaurant or hospital workers. If you are experiencing foot, heel, or ankle pain as a result of working on your feet for long periods, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Leonard Talarico, DPM from Georgia. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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