Cracked heels

Dry, cracked heels are a very common problem. It is also a difficult problem to treat because, not only is the skin dry in this area, but it is also thickened or callused making it difficult for moisturizers to penetrate deep. A pumice stone or foot file may also help to reduce some of the thick, callused skin. Hydrostat cream is a product that Dr. Brown and Dr. Saffer offer in the practice for our patients. It is a product that contains Urea and it helps to soften and smooth rough, dry or cracked heels. Hydrostat cream is used once a day and is made just for the feet. A good heel cup will also help prevent your heel from spreading when bearing weight which will help control the cracking or fissuring. If you have diabetes, poor circulation or if the cracks are deep and bleed, you should consult with Dr. Saffer or Dr. Brown.

Summer sandals to prevent heel pain

As summer approaches one of the keys to preventing heel pain is having the proper shoe gear. It is not practical to wear sneakers all of the time especially during the hot summer months. We would like to recommend some various lines of sandals for women that not only provide support but are fashionable.

1) Dansko sandal
2) Fit flops
3) Tsubo Sandals
4) MBT women Kisumu sandals
5) MBT women Habari
6) Orthaheel talia Sandal

It is worth it to spend just a little more money on the right shoe which may help to prevent various forms of heel pain.

Plantar fasciitis in Professional basketball player

 Greg Stiemsma a professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics has been suffering from a chronic case of plantar fasciitis. He does not participate in running drills during practice and only is able to play during games.

Plantar fasciitis is not only found in recreational athletes but also found in professional sports. Typical treatment consist of aggressive physical therapy, cortisone injections, custom foot orthotics, and sometimes immobilization with a walking boot.

If you suffer from plantar fasciitis with pain in the heel or bottom of the foot it is important to be diagnosed as early as possible in order for conservative treatment to be effective.

For more information on plantar fasciitis please refer to our website at www.carolinafootspecialists.net


http://www.celticstown.com/2012/04/25/greg-stiemsma-could-have-played-last-night-just-resting-with-plantar-fasciitis/

Stress fracture of the heel

If you experience heel pain it may not always be the typical case of Plantar fasciitis. Stress fractures are common and can occur in healthy individuals without a history of any trauma to the foot. We most commonly see stress fractures in runners from over training. We also see stress fractures in middle age women who may have osteoporotic bone.
Pain presents in the inside and outside of the heel with swelling and pain. On examination there is pain upon compression of both sides of the heel bone.
Diagnosis of stress fractures starts with clinical examination and x-ray evaluation. In our offices we have digital x-ray technology that can quickly rule out a stress fracture of the heel bone.
Treatment involves immobilization in a cam walker boot for a period of 6-8 weeks.

Please keep in mind that if you do suffer from heel pain make sure you have your foot evaluated as soon as possible in order that you can be properly diagnosed and treated.

For more information please refer to our website at carolinafootspecialists.net