Items filtered by date: October 2024

Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, occur when the skin on the heels becomes dry and thickened, leading to painful splits. Several factors contribute to this condition. Excess weight can put additional pressure on the heels, promoting dryness and leading to cracks. Reduced skin elasticity, often due to aging or lack of moisture, makes the skin less resilient. Wearing inappropriate shoes, such as those lacking adequate support or cushioning, can worsen the problem by failing to protect the heels. Prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces can also increase the risk of cracked heels, as this puts strain on the skin. Additionally, genetics may play a role in an individual's susceptibility to this condition. Cracked heels can be painful and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have developed cracked heels, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can successfully treat this problem, 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 Paul A. Santangelo, DPM from Illinois. 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 Niles and Rockford, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fibromatosis, also known as Ledderhose's disease, is the development of fibrous nodules in the plantar fascia, the connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. These nodules can vary in size and may lead to discomfort or pain, particularly during activities such as walking or running. Common symptoms include noticeable lumps on the arch of the foot, localized tenderness, and a feeling of tightness in the affected area. While the exact cause of Ledderhose's disease remains unclear, genetic factors and trauma may play a role in its development. Though it is not considered life-threatening, the condition can impact daily activities and overall quality of life. If you notice lumps or nodules on the bottom of your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat the condition.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Paul A. Santangelo, DPM of Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Niles and Rockford, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar warts are benign growths that develop on the soles of the feet, caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV. They appear as small, rough, and grainy lesions, often with tiny black dots inside, which are small blood vessels. These warts can be painful, especially when pressure is applied, such as while walking or standing. Plantar warts are typically spread in warm, moist environments like swimming pools or locker rooms, where the virus can easily enter through small cuts or abrasions in the skin. In some cases, treatments like cryotherapy, freezing, or laser therapy may be recommended. For persistent or painful plantar warts, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to explore treatment options and receive professional care.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Paul A. Santangelo, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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