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Cracked heels are a common foot concern that can cause discomfort and affect daily activities. They often develop when the skin becomes dry and thickened, leading to painful splits. Cracked heels may occur due to itching from an injury, underlying endocrine disease, improper hygiene, or a lack of essential vitamins and minerals that support healthy skin. Symptoms include rough skin, redness, peeling, tenderness, and, in severe cases, bleeding. A podiatrist can identify the root cause and provide treatments such as debridement, moisturizing therapies, guidance on nutritional support, and advice on proper foot care habits. Addressing cracked heels early can prevent infection and ongoing pain. If you have developed cracked heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer relief and effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Larry Cohen from New York City. Our doctor 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 offices located in Midtown, Manhattan New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Recovering from a sprained ankle involves gentle exercises that restore range of motion, strength, and balance. Simple movements such as ankle circles and drawing the alphabet with your foot can improve flexibility and joint mobility. Towel curls, where you scrunch a towel using your toes, help rebuild strength in the smaller stabilizing muscles of the foot and ankle. As healing progresses, balance exercises improve stability and prevent future injury. A podiatrist can design a personalized exercise plan, ensuring safe progression and proper form while addressing any underlying issues that may delay recovery. If you have lingering pain, weakness, or instability after a sprain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can guide you toward additional ankle exercises to restore your mobility.

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 Dr. Larry Cohen from New York City. Our doctor 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 doctor 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 our offices located in Midtown, Manhattan New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A sprained toe, also known as turf toe, happens when the ligaments surrounding the big toe joint are overstretched or torn. This injury often results from forceful upward bending of the toe during sports or sudden movements. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, limited mobility, and a feeling of imbalance while walking. Risk factors include arthritis, gout, previous toe sprains, and high impact sports. A podiatrist can assess the injury, provide imaging, if needed, recommend supportive footwear or custom orthotics, and design a recovery plan to restore strength and flexibility. Early care prevents chronic pain and stiffness.  If you have symptoms of a sprained toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for expert advice and appropriate treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Larry Cohen of New York City. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Midtown, Manhattan New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Heel bursitis occurs when the small fluid-filled sac, known as the retrocalcaneal bursa, becomes irritated and inflamed at the back of the heel where the Achilles tendon meets the heel bone. This irritation can develop from repetitive activities that increase pressure in that area, including running uphill, jumping, or standing on tiptoes. Wearing high heels frequently, ill-fitting shoes that rub against the heel, or flip-flops that provide little protection may also contribute to heel bursitis. Tight calf muscles or an existing bone spur can further aggravate the bursa. Symptoms include swelling, tenderness, and a painful lump at the back of the heel, which worsens when shoes press on the area or when engaging in activities that put stress on the Achilles tendon. A podiatrist can evaluate the heel and provide the most effective treatment. If you experience symptoms of bursitis in the heel, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Larry Cohen of New York City. Our doctor 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Midtown, Manhattan New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.