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If you have ever experienced a foot condition that is known as cracked heels, you may be aware of the pain and discomfort that is often associated with it. The skin on the heels often becomes dry and hardened, and this typically indicates that the condition is beginning to develop. There may be several causes for this to occur, including a predisposition to skin conditions, which may include psoriasis or eczema, or other medical maladies such as diabetes or thyroid concerns. If the patient is diabetic, the cracks or fissures may not be felt, which may be due to a condition that is referred to as diabetic neuropathy. This may cause a lack of sensation and any pain and discomfort that is present may not be noticed. If you feel you are developing cracked heels, it’s important to confer with a podiatrist who can advise you on how to properly treat this condition, which may be helpful in attaining maximum comfort.

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 one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Research has shown that it is not necessary for children to wear shoes until they begin to walk. This may allow the muscles and tendons to naturally stretch while they are sitting or lying down. When walking commences, it’s beneficial to choose shoes that can protect the feet, in addition to having a textured sole that can grip the ground while walking, which may prevent falling. Shoes should always fit correctly and offer a maximum comfort level. This may include making sure there is adequate room for the toes to move about in, and should fit tightly at the heel, which may sustain stability while the child walks. Most babies are born with flat feet, and the arch will typically develop as the child grows. If you notice your child has certain foot conditions in which the toes turn in or the arch in the foot does not develop, it’s suggested that you and your child should consult with a podiatrist for proper treatment options.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

There are several different types of foot pain that many people experience. Some patients may feel pain that radiates in the entire foot, which may be caused by a condition that is referred to as neuropathy. This may occur among diabetic patients as a result of elevated blood sugar levels, and may cause nerve damage. Additionally, if the pain is located in the ball of the foot, a condition known as Metatarsalgia may develop. This commonly occurs as a result of wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Gout, hammertoe, or bunions may cause toe pain, and proper treatment may include adapting a lifestyle change or taking prescription medications. A common form of heel pain may be indicative of plantar fasciitis, which typically affects the tissue that links the heel and the toes together. It’s suggested that if you are experiencing any type of foot pain, a consultation with a podiatrist will be helpful in determining the best course of treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

If you should develop a plantar wart, you may often be aware of the pain and discomfort that is associated with it. They are typically common warts, and form on the heel of the foot. The pain may be at it’s worse in the morning after rising, and may often feel like pieces of glass that have lodged in your heel. Research has shown that plantar warts originate from the human papillomavirus, and often lives and thrives in warm and moist places that may include locker and shower room floors, pools, and surrounding areas. It can typically enter the body thru small cracks in the sole of the foot and prevention of this virus may be accomplished by wearing appropriate shoes, while in these areas. There are several noticeable symptoms associated with this ailment, including a small and hardened round area appearing on the heel of the foot, possibly with black dots occupying the center. If you have developed a plantar wart, it’s suggested to seek counsel from a podiatrist as quickly as possible to begin the best course of treatment.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

One of the most common injuries the feet can endure may be an ankle sprain. Although this may be a common occurrence among athletes, many people will experience this condition as a result of everyday activities. It happens when the ankle twists unnaturally, and the ligaments and tendons in the foot endure enormous stress. There are several symptoms that are indicative of a sprained ankle including severe pain and discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Some of the more typical reasons why an individual may sprain their ankle may include stepping off a curb that was out of sight, or stepping down with excessive pressure while running. If you feel you have injured your ankle that may have resulted in a sprain, please schedule a consultation with a podiatrist for proper treatment.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many bones are located in the foot and they all work together to provide optimum balance necessary to effectively walk and run. If something heavy should fall on your toe or if you fall down, you may experience pain and discomfort due to a broken toe. You may notice the obvious symptoms, which may include bruising and swelling, or continued pain and throbbing. Research has shown the importance of having a proper diagnosis performed, which most likely will include having an X-ray taken. If a broken toe is confirmed, treatment should commence as quickly as possible. This may include taping the toe to the toe next to it, resetting the bone for more severe fractures, or undergoing surgery. Please consult with a podiatrist for advice on how to treat a broken toe.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

For those individuals who decide to pursue a career in podiatry, they are most likely aware of the many advantages this field may offer. Recent research has shown that state of the art technology is frequently used to perform precise procedures. This has become necessary in properly responding to the high demand of patients who have specific foot conditions. An additional advantage of choosing this profession may be the flexible work hours, which may be beneficial if a podiatrist decides to become self-employed. Certain disadvantages that exist may include working with feet that have an unpleasant odor. Additionally, many new graduates realize that aggressive networking is recommended to ensure a steady influx of patients. It is suggested to speak with a podiatrist if you are considering pursuing a career in podiatry.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that affects over 40 million Americans. Unfortunately, many people brush off their RA symptoms as less severe injuries. Many people with RA in their feet, notice the feeling of stiffness when they wake up in the morning. If you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, you may even start to notice joint stiffness throughout the day. Another common symptom is joint swelling due to inflammation. Those with arthritis will also notice pain in their joints that can potentially make walking difficult. Often, this pain appears when you are not putting the joints to use. If you suspect you have rheumatoid arthritis in your feet, you should make an appointment with your podiatrist to seek treatment immediately.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot care is considered to be an essential part of one’s overall well-being, so it is crucial that you take precautions to care of your feet. Perhaps the most important tip to follow is to never ignore pain in your feet. As soon as you notice a substantial amount of pain in either of your feet, you should immediately contact your podiatrist. Another tip is to perform daily foot inspections, so you will be able to treat any issues before they progressively become worse. Additionally, it is important to practice proper hygiene and to wash your feet on a daily basis to ensure that you are not exposing yourself to harmful bacteria. The way you trim your toenails has an influence on whether or not you will develop painful ingrown toenails. The best way to trim your nails is to trim them straight across instead of in a rounded shape. For diabetics, it is especially important that you take care of your feet, because these ordinary foot conditions can easily become more serious.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

There are a few symptoms that patients may experience that are indicative of a condition referred to as gout. These may include redness and tenderness in addition to swollen joints under the big toe which is often accompanied by severe pain. This occurs as a result of the build up of crystals in the blood, which may form in and around the joints of the foot. This form of arthritis may often make people feel disabled, and simple tasks such as walking up the stairs may prove to be impossible. The causes of gout may include ingesting red meats and shellfish, overindulgence in alcohol, and taking certain medications that may be responsible for the onset of this condition. Research has shown there may be a strong connection between obesity, high blood pressure, diabetics and gout attacks. If you are afflicted with this ailment, please consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible to determine what the best treatment options are.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.