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April 2023

Tuesday, 25 April 2023 00:00

Prolonged Standing and Cracked Heels

Cracked heels can occur when the skin on the back of the heels becomes excessively dry, due to a lack of moisture. These cracks may deepen and collect debris, which are known as fissures. Many different things can contribute to the development of cracked heels. Standing for prolonged periods of time, for example, can lead to the onset of cracked heels. Particularly, if an individual is standing on hard surfaces, such as concrete or uneven terrain, this may also be a reason this ailment may develop. If you are someone who must stand for hours at a time, then wearing supportive footwear that is padded may improve your situation. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today if you are concerned about getting cracked heels from standing. 

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Kendall Blackwell from InStride Wilson Podiatry Associates. 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 Wilson, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Tuesday, 18 April 2023 00:00

Dealing With Peroneal Tendonitis

Peroneal tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons that connect your leg to your foot. These tendons run along the outside of the ankle bone and foot. Peroneal tendonitis is an overuse injury, but it can also be caused by a fall or other trauma to your foot. Symptoms include pain along the outside of the foot and ankle that increases with activity. Swelling, redness, and warmth may also develop. Peroneal tendonitis generally starts with tears in the tissue, but if ignored can develop into a rupture. Because this injury exhibits traits commonly attributed to other ankle pain, it can be difficult to diagnose. A visit to a podiatrist is suggested, where the foot doctor can perform a series of tests to determine the cause. Treatment, which may take a month or more, includes taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, wearing a protective brace or soft cast, and performing certain exercises. In severe cases, surgery to clean out the damaged tissue is required. For more information, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Kendall Blackwell from InStride Wilson Podiatry Associates. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Bursitis
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

 

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Published in Blog
Tuesday, 11 April 2023 00:00

Simple Techniques for Everyday Foot Care

The result of practicing a good everyday foot care routine can improve the skin on the feet, in addition to possibly providing a general sense of well being. The feet endure the weight of the body, and they are often the most neglected area when engaging in self-care. Cold winter months may cause the skin on the feet to flake or crack, and using a good moisturizer may restore the oils in the skin. The skin can soften when they are soaked in warm water with Epsom salt, and the feet can be exfoliated as they are rubbed together. It is beneficial to trim the toenails to the desired length, and this can prep the nails to be polished. The feet can feel better when the correct size shoes and socks are worn and gentle toe stretches are performed. If you have questions and would like to learn about additional everyday foot care techniques, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist. 

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Kendall Blackwell from InStride Wilson Podiatry Associates. Our doctor 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 our office located in Wilson, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Published in Blog
Tuesday, 04 April 2023 00:00

Pre-Podiatry Concentrations

Podiatrists are medical professionals that specialize in maintaining the health of patient’s feet. They are trained in treating a wide range of different foot conditions. Some podiatrists can begin gaining their skills at their undergraduate institution through a pre-podiatry concentration. In these programs, an individual can prepare to be admitted into a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree program. Through this kind of concentration, an individual can learn more about biology and the sciences while conducting independent research projects. This is just one potential step along a podiatrist’s long journey to becoming a professional podiatrist. If you are someone that is struggling with the health of your feet, it is suggested that you seek out a podiatrist. 

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Dr. Kendall Blackwell from InStride Wilson Podiatry Associates. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

  • Physical therapy
  • Drugs
  • Orthotic inserts or soles
  • Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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

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If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.

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