Items filtered by date: January 2024

Cracked heels, a common foot woe, often result from a combination of environmental, lifestyle, and health factors. Dry skin, exacerbated by insufficient hydration, is a leading culprit, and exposure to harsh weather conditions, such as cold or dry air, can strip the skin of its natural moisture. Prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces may contribute to pressure on the feet, leading to calluses and eventual cracking. Inadequate foot care, including infrequent moisturizing and neglecting proper exfoliation, can make the problem worse. Additionally, conditions such as obesity and diabetes may compromise skin health, increasing vulnerability to cracked heels. Footwear choices also play a role, as open-back shoes or sandals expose the heels to friction and dryness. Recognizing and addressing these underlying causes is essential for effective management. If you have developed cracked heels, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition, which may include prescribed medication.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Leonard Talarico, DPM from Georgia. 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 Pooler, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete's foot, a common fungal infection, can cause discomfort and itching, urging us to delve into its origins and effective prevention strategies. This condition thrives in warm, damp environments, making communal spaces like locker rooms, swimming pools, and shared showers breeding grounds. Direct contact with the fungus through contaminated surfaces or by sharing items such as towels and shoes facilitates its spread. Prevention begins with practicing good hygiene, including thorough drying between toes and keeping feet clean. Opting for breathable footwear and moisture-wicking socks helps maintain a dry environment, discouraging fungal growth. Regularly changing socks and allowing shoes to air out are essential habits to practice. Additionally, avoiding walking barefoot in public areas further reduces the risk of exposure. Swift attention to any signs of infection, such as redness or scaling, is pivotal for early intervention. If you have developed athlete’s foot, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition, which may include prescribing medication.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Leonard Talarico, DPM from Georgia.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

Gout is a type of joint problem caused by the formation of tiny crystals. It happens when your body makes too much uric acid, or your kidneys do not get rid of it efficiently. This uric acid is a leftover from breaking down certain foods. When uric acid levels get too high, it turns into crystals that cannot dissolve and remain in your tissues, causing inflammation. Your body's defense cells try to absorb these crystals, but they may become damaged as a result of how sharp they are. Gout is more common in men and often shows up after age 30 or in women after menopause. Gout has four stages. The first stage involves high uric acid with no symptoms. The second stage includes painful joint attacks The third stage is generally pain-free periods between attacks. The fourth stage consists of severe gout with lumpy deposits that are known as tophi. During a gout attack, you will experience severe pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the joint. The big toe is a common spot for gout, and over time, untreated gout can harm your joints. In severe cases, surgery may be needed if the joint damage is extensive. Gout can be diagnosed by examining joint fluid or having X-rays taken. If you believe you have gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Leonard Talarico, DPM from Georgia. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

Morton's neuroma is a condition that affects the forefoot. Despite its name, it is not a true neuroma but rather a result of nerve fibrosis. This fibrosis occurs due to pressure or repetitive irritation, resulting in the thickening of the digital nerve, typically found in the third or second intermetatarsal space. Managing Morton's neuroma involves various treatment options. Orthotics, which are custom-made shoe inserts, can provide relief by altering foot mechanics and reducing pressure on the affected nerve. Steroid injections can also be administered to alleviate inflammation and pain. In more severe cases, surgical excision may be necessary, typically performed through a dorsal approach. Successful management of Morton's neuroma relies on several critical factors. If you feel you have Morton’s neuroma, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. A thorough examination is essential to accurately diagnose and treat this condition.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Leonard Talarico, DPM of Georgia. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Managing a broken foot requires immediate attention and a structured treatment plan to ensure proper healing. Immobilization of the foot is often necessary to prevent further injury, and this may involve using splints, casts, or walking boots. The type of fracture dictates the specific immobilization method. Pain relief is an important aspect of management. In some cases, particularly for more complex fractures, surgery may be necessary to realign and stabilize the bones. Following immobilization, the patient usually needs to limit weight bearing on the injured foot, sometimes with the aid of crutches or a scooter. A podiatrist will establish a timeline for the gradual reintroduction of weight-bearing activities. If you have broken your foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist as quickly as possible, and follow their instructions to prevent re-injury in addition to proper bone healing.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Leonard Talarico, DPM from Georgia. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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