Cracked heels can result from a combination of external and medical causes. External factors such as walking barefoot on hard surfaces, prolonged standing, or wearing open-back shoes can increase pressure on the heels, leading to dry, thickened skin that cracks. Environmental conditions, like cold weather and low humidity, can also contribute to dryness and skin breakdown. Medical conditions like diabetes, eczema, and psoriasis often cause dryness and inflammation, making the skin more vulnerable to cracks. Fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot, can worsen the problem by causing peeling and irritation. Additionally, poor circulation, common in individuals with certain health conditions, can also slow the healing process. If you have cracked heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer you effective relief and treatment solutions.

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 DM Foot & Ankle Associates . 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 our office located in Lemont, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Flat feet can cause pain in the arches, heels, or along the inside of the ankles, especially after standing for long periods or engaging in physical activity. Some people may experience swelling near the ankle or general foot fatigue. Children with persistent foot or ankle pain should be evaluated to determine if flat feet are causing the problem. A podiatrist can assess flat feet by examining your foot structure, checking for an arch when you stand on your toes, and reviewing wear patterns on your shoes. If pain is present, imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans may be used to examine bones, joints, and soft tissues. Treatment focuses on reducing pain and preventing complications. Wearing supportive shoes and custom orthotics can help improve foot alignment and relieve strain from flat feet. In more severe cases, surgery may be required to repair any damaged tendons or realign foot structures. Without treatment, flat feet may contribute to tendonitis or joint pain. If you have foot pain related to flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from DM Foot & Ankle Associates . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Turf toe sounds like a sports injury, but it can happen to anyone. This painful sprain of the big toe joint happens when the toe bends too far upward, overstretching the ligaments. Athletes on artificial turf are common victims, but so are yogis, dancers, and even people tripping on stairs. A simple misstep in flexible shoes can do it. At first, it may feel like a mild ache, but swelling and stiffness quickly set in, making it hard to push off when walking. Without rest, it can linger, turning a minor sprain into a chronic problem. Relief includes taping and wearing stiff-soled shoes to limit movement. Severe cases may require targeted exercises or surgery. If your big toe hurts after an awkward bend, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of DM Foot & Ankle Associates . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, often caused when the tip of the toe angles inward toward the other toes. This deformity can lead to pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty finding comfortable shoes. The affected area may become tender, and, as the bunion progresses, it can affect walking and lead to other foot issues like calluses or hammertoes. A podiatrist can evaluate your bunion and offer various treatments. For mild cases, they may recommend lifestyle changes, such as wearing shoes with a wider toe box or using padding to reduce pressure. Custom orthotics can help correct foot alignment, providing relief from discomfort. In more severe cases, a podiatrist may suggest surgical options to correct the deformity and improve function. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort from a bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of DM Foot & Ankle Associates . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

Neuropathy, or nerve damage, is a common complication of diabetes,  although it can also result from other conditions like alcohol abuse or certain medications. It often affects the feet and legs, causing a range of symptoms. People with neuropathy may feel a tingling, burning, or numb sensation, which can make walking or standing uncomfortable. In more severe cases, the pain may be sharp or stabbing, and the feet may look red, swollen, or develop sores. The primary cause of diabetic neuropathy is high blood sugar, which damages the nerves over time. Managing blood sugar levels is key to slowing progression. Certain medications may be prescribed to relieve pain and discomfort. A podiatrist plays an important role in managing neuropathy by regularly monitoring foot health, checking for wounds, and providing pain relief strategies. They can offer custom orthotics, recommend specialized footwear, and help with wound care if neuropathy has caused skin damage. If you have neuropathy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist fo relief tips.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from DM Foot & Ankle Associates . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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