Items filtered by date: May 2024

Cracked heels often stem from various factors, including obesity, wearing ill-fitting shoes, prolonged standing, and dry skin. When the skin on your feet lacks moisture and becomes stiff, it is more susceptible to cracking, especially under pressure while standing or walking. Certain conditions, such as diabetes, psoriasis, and flat feet, can further dry out the skin and increase the risk of cracked heels or painful fissures. Preventative measures include moisturizing regularly, avoiding harsh soaps, and opting for closed-heeled shoes with ample cushioning. Wearing cotton socks can also help to reduce friction. Mild relief typically involves moisturizers containing ingredients like urea or hyaluronic acid, which help retain moisture and soften the skin. While mild cases can often be managed at home, it is important to see a podiatrist if heel cracks are associated with a medical condition or if they have become infected. Seeking professional advice ensures a proper diagnosis and treatment, leading to quicker healing and long-term foot health. If cracked and painful heels are causing you discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with 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 the foot specialists from Marvel Foot & Ankle Centers. 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 offices located in Gilbert and Chandler, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot and ankle injuries are common among dancers, posing significant challenges to their performance and well-being. Achilles tendonitis is the result of repetitive strain on the Achilles tendon and can lead to inflammation and tightness, affecting movement and stability. Ankle sprains, resulting from overstretching or tearing of ligaments, are among the most common dance injuries, causing pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. Stress fractures are hairline cracks in bones of the feet brought about by repetitive impact or overuse. By incorporating proper warm-up and cool-down routines, maintaining correct technique, and integrating strength and flexibility exercises into training, a dancer can help reduce the likelihood of injury. Additionally, wearing supportive footwear and listening to the body's signals can further safeguard against potential harm. When faced with such dance injuries, seeking assistance from a podiatrist is essential. These foot doctors can diagnose the root cause of the injury and recommend the appropriate treatment plan to aid in recovery. If you are a dancer, it is suggested that you include a podiatrist as part of your medical team.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with the foot specialists from Marvel Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

Foot pain comes in various forms, each signaling potential underlying issues that should not be disregarded. Plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain, results from inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament, often due to overuse or improper footwear. Morton's neuroma, characterized by a sharp, burning sensation in the ball of the foot, stems from the thickening of the tissue around a nerve, typically caused by pressure or irritation. Bunions, hallux rigidus, and stress fractures are additional examples of foot conditions that can cause discomfort and affect mobility. Ignoring foot pain can lead to exacerbated symptoms, decreased quality of life, and even chronic conditions that require more invasive treatments. Proper diagnosis and timely intervention are essential for addressing foot pain and preventing long-term complications. Consulting a podiatrist can help identify the underlying causes and develop an effective treatment plan to alleviate discomfort and promote foot health. If you have any foot pain, it is suggested that you confer with this type of doctor who can provide a diagnosis and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with the foot specialists from Marvel Foot & Ankle Centers. 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 our offices located in Gilbert and Chandler, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, affects millions of individuals in the United States. It is caused by reduced blood flow due to plaque buildup in peripheral arteries. PAD often targets the lower extremities, seriously affecting the legs and feet. A common indicator of peripheral artery disease is intermittent muscle pain in the lower legs during activity that subsides with rest. Other signs include diminished toenail and leg hair growth, temperature disparities between feet and non-healing wounds. Treatment from a podiatrist is essential for alleviating symptoms and preventing further complications. Podiatrists can offer various treatment options for PAD, including custom orthotic devices and footwear modifications, and in severe cases, surgical intervention. Additionally, lifestyle adjustments, such as smoking cessation and managing underlying conditions like hypertension, are essential in PAD management. Early intervention not only improves quality of life but also reduces the risk of severe complications associated with PAD. If you experience symptoms of peripheral artery disease that is affecting your lower legs and feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with the foot specialists from Marvel Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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