Items filtered by date: August 2024

Dry, cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, are a common foot problem resulting in rough, flaky skin on the heels that can lead to painful cracks. This condition often occurs when the skin becomes excessively dry, which can be worsened by cold weather, prolonged standing, or wearing open-back shoes that allow the skin to expand and dry out. People who are more at risk include those with conditions like diabetes, obesity, or eczema, as well as individuals who frequently walk barefoot or have naturally dry skin. Symptoms include rough, thickened skin, itching, and in severe cases, deep cracks that can bleed and become infected. Mild relief can come from regularly moisturizing the feet with thick creams or ointments, using a pumice stone to gently remove dead skin, and wearing supportive shoes that protect the heels. Preventive measures include keeping the feet well-hydrated, avoiding harsh soaps, and wearing socks with closed-back shoes to maintain moisture. If your cracked heels are severe or become infected, it is strongly suggested that you seek care from a 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 Kenneth Williams, DPM from Texas. 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 San Antonio and Beeville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sprains and strains in the foot and ankle are common injuries that can significantly impact mobility. Ankle sprains, particularly lateral sprains, occur when the ligaments are overstretched or torn, often due to twisting the foot. Recovery typically takes several weeks, although severe cases can take much longer. Strains affect the muscles or tendons and can also occur in the foot and ankle, causing pain, swelling, and reduced function. Prompt treatment is vital for quick recovery and may include bracing for support, guided exercises to restore strength and flexibility, and manual techniques such as massage. Severe injuries may require surgery, but with proper management, most people can achieve full recovery. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose these foot or ankle injuries and develop an individualized treatment plan that ensures efficient healing and prevents recurrence. If you suspect you have incurred a sprain or strain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Kenneth Williams, DPM from Texas. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in San Antonio and Beeville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Working on your feet all day can lead to significant foot pain, but there are several strategies to alleviate discomfort. Start by wearing supportive, well-fitted shoes with good arch support and cushioning to reduce strain on your feet. Custom orthotic inserts can provide additional support tailored to your foot's unique shape. Take regular breaks to sit down and rest your feet, even if it is just for a few minutes. Stretching exercises, such as calf stretches and toe flexes, can improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension. Incorporate foot massages and rolling your feet over a tennis ball to relieve pressure points and enhance circulation. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the stress on your feet. At the end of the day, elevate your feet to decrease swelling. If foot pain persists, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan for more tips and to address any underlying issues.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Kenneth Williams, DPM from Texas. 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 San Antonio and Beeville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar warts, caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, appear on the soles of the feet and can be painful. Prevention focuses on minimizing exposure to the virus. Always wear footwear in communal areas such as locker rooms and pools, avoid sharing personal items like shoes and towels, and keep your feet clean and dry to reduce the risk of infection. Boosting your immune system through maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise can also help. Treatment options vary based on the severity of the warts. Remedies like salicylic acid can effectively dissolve the wart over time. Cryotherapy, performed by a podiatrist, involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen, causing it to fall off. Laser treatment and immunotherapy are other professional options. For stubborn or painful warts, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Kenneth Williams, DPM from Texas. 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 office located in San Antonio and Beeville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.