Items filtered by date: December 2022

People who have cracked heels may notice they become worse in the colder months. This condition can cause your feet to look older and may be painful or uncomfortable. There are various reasons why cracked heels can develop, including standing on hard surfaces and wearing shoes that have an open back. Flip flops and sandals also fall into this category and if you choose to wear this shoe, it helps if it has a strap to secure the heel. People who are obese may find they have cracked heels due to the added weight the heels endure. Medical conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and thyroid disorders may lead to cracked heels. Some of the symptoms that are associated with this ailment include redness, flaky skin, and in severe cases, the cracks in the heel may bleed causing an infection. There are several treatment methods for cracked heels and if you suffer from this condition, it is advised that you consult a podiatrist who can help you with effective healing techniques.

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 Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. Our doctor 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 Pembroke Pines and Plantation, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The feet and ankles are commonly affected during falls. Frequent foot injuries caused by falls can include strains, sprained ankles, fractured bones, or even torn Achilles tendons. Because pressure is still applied to the foot, even when casted, it is challenging to fully immobilize the foot and ankle, making the healing process somewhat slow. Such injuries can alter one’s enjoyment and quality of life, and lead to chronic pain. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury in a fall, contact a podiatrist who can correctly diagnose the problem and get you on the road to recovery as quickly as possible.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

If your feet feel cold during or right after exercising, when the rest of your body feels warm, it may be a sign that something is wrong. It can be as simple as wearing shoes or socks that are too tight and restrict proper blood flow to the feet. Cold feet after exercising may also be caused by more serious underlying conditions, such as diabetes or peripheral artery disease. Falling or bumping into something during exercise also may cause the feet to become cold. In addition, fractures, bone spurs, or cysts may cause numbness and cold feet. Whatever the cause, having cold feet after exercise is not something to ignore. First, check your footwear to make sure it fits properly and is not laced too tightly. Next, check your feet for any sores or cuts that may have formed. If ignored, these can turn into ulcers. Foot cramps at night or pain that gets worse if your feet are elevated can also be warning signs. If getting cold feet after exercising becomes a common occurrence, it may be wise to visit a podiatrist for an exam, a diagnosis, and a treatment plan.  

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. Our doctor 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 office located in Pembroke Pines and Plantation, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Everyday foot care practice is simple to follow. The benefits outweigh the amount of time it takes to have healthy feet, and many unwanted foot conditions may be avoided. It can begin by washing and drying the feet thoroughly, followed by applying a good moisturizer on them. Properly trimming the toenails may prevent an ingrown toenail from developing, which often requires expert medical attention. One of the most important things you can do for your feet is to wear shoes and socks that are comfortable. This may be helpful in preventing corns, bunions, and hammertoe from developing. Many people enjoy practicing foot exercises and stretches, and strong feet may help to prevent falling episodes. Depending on the specific foot condition, research has shown that pain may be relieved by having regular foot massages performed, and may invoke a feeling of well-being throughout the body. If you would like more information about how to practice everyday foot care tips, please consult with a podiatrist.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. 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 Pembroke Pines and Plantation, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.