Items filtered by date: October 2022

Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, is a specific kind of foot condition that is characterized by extremely dry skin on the back of the heels. There are many causes of cracked heels, including eczema, athlete’s foot, and aging. However, there is another often overlooked potential cause of cracked heels that is known as a vitamin deficiency. Certain essential vitamins can ultimately keep your skin healthy, preventing them from flaking and cracking. Just some of these essential vitamins include vitamin E, vitamin B-3, and vitamin C. All of these aforementioned vitamins keep the skin around the heels well-nourished. If you have heel fissures and suspect that it might be due to some kind of vitamin deficiency, contact a podiatrist today for treatment.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Sheldon D. Simon from Kentucky . 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 office located in Owensboro, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The toes provide harmony to the body, and the foot condition that is referred to as hammertoe may cause difficulty in walking and can affect balance. Hammertoe is caused by an imbalance in the foot and can occur from wearing shoes that do have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. It affects the second and third toes, causing them to bend down at the joint, resembling a hammer. It is suggested that medical attention is sought when the first symptoms of hammertoe appear, and the toes may be straightened easily. In severe cases, larger shoes may have to be purchased, in addition to possibly having surgery performed for permanent straightening. Recovery time from this type of surgery may take several weeks, and it is advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist in the early stages who can offer correct treatment methods.  

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Sheldon D. Simon from Kentucky . Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Owensboro, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Aging is a risk factor for many diseases. Seniors take more medications, have weaker immune systems, and are more apt to suffer from pre-existing medical conditions, as well as mobility issues. While elderly nail fungus is not generally severe, it can be uncomfortable, and if left untreated, complications such as permanent nail damage or more serious infections can develop. Nail infections are caused by fungal organisms called fungi. These fungi can feed on keratin, present in the nails, hair, and skin. Such infections can also be caused by yeast and mold spores. The fungi get into the skin and nails from direct contact with infected materials, whether from animals, people, or clothes. Elderly nails are more likely to become brittle and have more cracks, and this makes it easier for the organisms to get inside and spread. Toenail fungus is more common than fingernail fungus. Symptoms typically include thick, discolored, brittle and damaged nails, with jagged edges and possibly a bad odor. Pain may also be present. Toenail fungus may be more prevalent in those with diabetes, recurring skin conditions, and circulation problems as these hinder the body’s ability to fight infection. If you are elderly or taking care of someone who has toenail fungus is a concern, contact a podiatrist who can help you with all foot and ankle-related conditions.

For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Sheldon D. Simon of Kentucky . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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

A fracture is when a bone breaks or cracks. When it comes to the ankle, three different bones can be fractured: the tibia (the larger of the two bones in the lower leg), the fibula (the thinner of the two bones in the lower leg), and the talus (the wedge-shaped bone deep inside the ankle). The most common way an ankle can break involves a sharp twist of the ankle or a direct impact to the ankle, causing a fracture to one of the ankle bones. Athletes are at a high risk for ankle fractures. Such a fracture can be particularly dangerous if a bone pokes through the skin and is exposed to the air as the open wound allows bacteria to affect the broken bone and increases risk of infection. Symptoms of a broken ankle include pain, swelling, and bruising of the ankle joint. There will often be an inability to move the ankle normally and to bear weight on it. If you think you have fractured your ankle, see a podiatrist as soon as possible for a proper evaluation and treatment.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Sheldon D. Simon from Kentucky . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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