July 2022

Dried out skin on the heels can crack when weight is placed on them and the fat pad in the heels spread. This is a condition known as cracked heels. Cracked heels can vary in severity from mild to severe. Left untreated, some cracked heels can deepen and worsen to the point of pain, bleeding, and even infection. A person is more prone to developing cracked heels if they do not take care of cleaning and moisturizing their heels, if they stand for excessive amounts of time, wear open-back shoes, or walk barefoot frequently. Being overweight can be a contributing factor to the formation of cracked heels, as can certain medical conditions that dry out skin. Certain water-retaining creams applied nightly can sometimes help avoid cracked heels from developing. If you have cracked heels that are not responding to at-home treatment, or you have diabetes and cannot treat them by yourself, it is suggested you contact 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 Dr. Anna Petrov from Family Foot & Ankle Care. 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 one of our offices located in Wheeling and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

If you suffer from arthritis, you should know that you might be at an especially high risk of experiencing complications in your feet. For example, you may experience swelling and redness in the joints of your feet or you may even have severe pain when moving your feet. There are several things you can do by yourself at home to help manage the effects of arthritis and your feet. First, to treat swelling, you might consider applying an ice pack to the affected area of the feet. You might apply the ice for ten minutes, always being sure to use a towel to separate the pack from making direct contact with the skin. If your arthritis is making you experience plantar fasciitis in your feet, you might also consider rolling your feet over a water bottle. To do this, get a cold water bottle and roll the bottom of each foot back and forth over the bottle while sitting down. If you have arthritis, it is important to contact a podiatrist who can help you manage your condition. 

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Anna Petrov from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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

There is a growth plate in the heel of the foot that is known as the calcaneal apophysis. This is the area that connects the Achilles tendon and the plantar fascia to the heel. The foot condition that is known as Sever’s disease occurs as a result of excess tension on the Achilles tendon, or possibly from an injury to the heel. This generally affects children and young teenagers who participate in sporting activities. Common symptoms can include gradual heel pain, and many patients describe it as feeling like a bruise. Pain may be felt in the heel area only. Sever’s disease often develops from participating in high-impact sports such as basketball, football, or baseball. To confirm a diagnosis of Sever’s disease, a physical exam will be performed, and occasionally, an X-ray may be ordered to determine how advanced the growth plate is, in addition to observing if a stress fracture has occurred. Relief begins with temporarily stopping the activity that caused the condition, and performing specific heel stretches, which may ease the pain. If your child is affected by Sever’s disease, it is advised that a podiatrist be contacted who can begin the correct treatment process.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Anna Petrov from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Wheeling and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

As the weather gets warmer and the summer season reaches its full stride, many individuals will slip on a pair of casual and seasonable flip-flops. Although flip-flops may seem like the perfect fashion statement for beach days and fun summer outings, wearing this kind of shoe for prolonged periods can yield detrimental consequences. Since one must constantly clench or tighten the toes to keep flip-flops from sliding off of the feet, wearing these shoes can negatively impact muscles in the feet and calves. Such muscular problems might even result in plantar fasciitis, causing pointed pains in the heels during physical activity such as running. Flip-flop use can create serious problems in other areas of the body including the knees. Experts recommend that flip-flops be worn for walking no more than relatively short distances. If one needs to walk more than this distance, a sandal with straps around the entire foot might prove to be a better option. Such sandals do not make the toes tighten to keep the shoe on the foot in the same way that flip-flops do. Regardless of the summer shoe you prefer, you might consider consulting with your podiatrist to ensure that your footwear choices are setting your feet up for success.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Anna Petrov from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

• Ankle problems
• Hip problems
• Lower back problems
• Pain in the balls of the feet
• Problems with foot arches
• Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

• Sprained ankles
• Blisters
• Infections
• Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

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