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Heel fissures are cracks in the skin over your heels that can range from minor discomfort to serious health concerns. Symptoms include can mild discoloration, thickening of the skin, visible splitting of the skin, and bleeding. Without treatment, heel fissures can worsen, leading to open wounds, pain, and even deep ulcers susceptible to infections like cellulitis. Dry skin on the heels is a primary cause of fissures, worsened by conditions such as diabetes, eczema, and fungal infections. Due to damaged foot nerves and decreased moisture, diabetic patients are particularly at risk for heel fissures that progress into non-healing ulcers. To manage symptoms of heel fissures, regular moisturizing is recommended, in addition to exfoliation with alpha hydroxy acids or urea-based creams. If the heel fissures continue to worsen, seeking medical attention from a podiatrist is suggested. This foot doctor can provide specialized debridement to remove thickened skin and prescribe medication to combat infections. If dry skin on your feet is causing problems like heel fissures, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors 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 Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Symptoms associated with arthritis in the foot can significantly impact mobility and quality of life. Persistent pain, stiffness, and swelling in the foot and ankle joints are all symptoms of arthritis. They are usually more noticeable in the morning or after periods of inactivity. Some patients may also experience redness, warmth in the joints, or a reduced range of motion, which makes it difficult to walk or perform daily activities comfortably. A podiatrist, or foot doctor, can diagnose arthritis through a clinical examination and medical history assessment. Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans are often used to view the extent of joint damage and to distinguish between types of arthritis, like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Blood tests may also be conducted to check for markers of inflammation or autoimmune disorders. Understanding the specific type of arthritis that affects the foot is important to tailor the appropriate treatment and management plan. If you have arthritis in the foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for targeted care. 

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

The cuboid bone, a vital component of your foot's structure, often remains unnoticed until a problem arises. The cuboid bone is located on the outer side of the foot, just in front of the heel. It plays a significant role in mobility, aiding in pointing the foot downward and supporting lateral movement. An injury of this bone can lead to cuboid syndrome, which is a partial dislocation at the joint between the heel and the cuboid. Symptoms may include metatarsal pain, lateral ankle instability, hammertoes, or plantar fasciitis. If left untreated, these symptoms can escalate into more severe conditions, such as ankle arthritis or stress fractures. Treatment options involve padding and a manipulation technique to realign the bone. For cuboid fractures, patients may need to refrain from weight-bearing activities for a period of time, followed by a transition to a walking boot. Where conservative methods fail, surgical intervention may be used to stabilize the bone and restore its function, ensuring a quicker recovery. If you are experiencing symptoms of a lateral foot injury, it may involve the cuboid bone. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough exam and indicated treatment options.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which involves the compression of the posterior tibial nerve as it passes through the tarsal tunnel on the inner side of the ankle, can be tricky to diagnose. Diagnosis typically begins with a physical examination where a podiatrist, or foot doctor, evaluates the foot for signs of nerve compression. The podiatrist may use specific tests that could provoke symptoms. To confirm the diagnosis and eliminate other potential conditions, magnetic resonance Imaging, or an MRI scan is commonly used. An MRI can provide clear images of the soft tissues surrounding the ankle, helping to identify any abnormalities like tumors, varicose veins, or structural deformities compressing the nerve. The treatment strategy may vary depending on MRI findings. For example, if the MRI reveals a structural anomaly compressing the nerve, surgical intervention may be required to alleviate the pressure. However, if inflammation is mild and no significant anatomical issues are detected, more conservative treatments like corticosteroid injections or custom orthotics might be effective. For proper diagnosis of tarsal tunnel syndrome and the most effective treatment plan, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist. 

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.