Fixing Heel Fissures

Dry, cracked heels (known as heel fissures) can not only be unsightly, but can often be source of pain and embarrassment. Did you know a podiatrist can remove the dead skin from your feet leaving them soft, smooth and pain free?

While most cracking and splitting is ultimately caused by dry skin, there can be more to the problem than meets the eye. Most dry skin left untreated on the heels leads to thickening of the skin, also known as calluses, which crack and break under pressure. A podiatrist can safely remove the thickened skin, without risking infection, provide you with information on what sort of creams are best for your skin type as well as rule out more serious health conditions. While patients suffering from heel fissures are more comfortable in open backed shoes or flip flops this footwear actually tends to leave the feet exposed to dry air making the problem worse.

Genetics, skin conditions such as psoriasis, obesity, pregnancy, walking gait, ill fitted shoes, climate, diseases and hormone imbalances can all play a role in heel fissures. Some people also have a large fatty pad on the sole of their feet, which requires more elasticity in the skin to expand without cracking making their feet more susceptible to heel fissures.

At home treatments and DIY suggestions can be helpful, but once heel fissures become severe and include deep painful cracking and bleeding infection becomes a big risk. Heel fissures flare up with winter and cause many people pain. Erase your aches by seeing us.

Call for an appointment today! 
West Ashley: 843-225-5575
Mount pleasant: 843-654-8250

Treating Calcaneal Apophysitis with Dr. Saffer- Say goodbye to Heel Pain

Last week we spent some time with College of Charleston alumni and former basketball star, Jermel President filming a spot for his streamed broadcast, DAE TV. Jermel approached us to discuss some common issues in student athletes (of all ages and abilities), as well as learn more about sports podiatry in general.

One of our case discussions focused on one of Dr. Saffer's former patients, Aaron Thornton, an active teenager, that was suffering from chronic heel pain. Aaron was diagnosed with Calcaneal Apophysitis (inflammation of the growth plate in the heel) a common issue in kids and young teens, especially those active in athletics.

We most often see this in patients 8 to 14 years old. The growth plate in the heel is not fully developed until the average age of 14, and most high impact athletic habits begin around the age of 8; but this is not to say it doesn't happen in younger or older cases- every one grows at a different rate.

The heel’s growth plate is sensitive to repeated running and pounding on hard surfaces, resulting in muscle strain and inflamed tissue. If a child is very active in sports before his/her growth plate has fully developed Calcaneal Apophysitis is a risk. While some may be prone to this issue due to their foot structure you can minimize the risk by helping your child or teen maintain a healthy weight, wear only properly fitted, supportive shoes that are appropriate for the chosen activity, limit the use of cleated athletic shoes until age 14 and by ensuring they don't endure activity, training or practice above their ability and age.

We are happy to say that after proper evaluation Aaron's case was treated with custom made sports orthotics and he is now back to being a kid and pain free!

If you know a youth suffering with heel pain, let us help. Call to schedule an appointment today
West Ashley: 843-225-5575
Mount pleasant: 843-654-8250

*Catch Dr. Saffer's full interview streaming on November 9th at 7:20pm via DAE-TV.

Who Should You See? Choosing the Best Care for Your Needs.

A common question we get is whether or not one should see a podiatrist or an orthopaedist. While the two practices may seem quite similar the difference is a matter of scope.

An orthopaedic doctor (or surgeon) specializes in bone, joint and nerve problems within the entire body.  In general chronic pain, rheumatic diseases, musculoskeletal injuries and arthritis all are part of the field of orthopaedics. Since this scope of practice is so large most orthopaedic professionals will specialize in a certain disease or part of the anatomy (such as hand surgeons, spinal specialists, pain management centers or arthritis).

In one sense a podiatrist is a form of specialized orthopaedic doctor, focusing on the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. However, along with managing all the aspects of the feet, ankles and lower extremities a podiatrist also manages the dermatology and biomechanics of the foot and ankle. Podiatrists can specialize in many fields as well, including surgery, sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, diabetic care for the feet, ankles and legs.

While a 'foot and ankle orthopaedist' can treat and manage foot and ankle issue pertaining to the bones, soft tissues and joints, your general orthopaedist is likely more adept at managing hips, knees and shoulders; therefore it is often more beneficial for patients to see a Podiatrist who has expert knowledge targeted at your area of concern.

No matter what professional you decide to see make sure they are familiar with the area you are being seen for and you are comfortable in their care. There is never any harm in having a second opinion.  All medical professionals should always put your well being first.

Dr. Saffer and Dr. Brown have offices located in both Charleston and Mount Pleasant and pride themselves on making sure patients are well informed, having the knowledge to make good choices about their foot and ankle care, heel pain, or whatever problem they may face. Their goal is to educate each patient first, then begin a relevant treatment program with the highest quality of care available. Whatever your foot and ankle trouble, Dr. Brown and Dr. Saffer work together to find the answers that will comfort you and bring you relief. Call for an appointment today 843-654-8250 or visit us online at www.carolinafootspecialists.net.

Arches Making You Ache?

Many of those suffering from chronic pain on the balls or heels of their foot are victims of a high arch (aka Cavus Foot). A high arch can be a symptom of your genes, a neurologic disorder or from other medical conditions. The cause of your high arches will determine the course of treatment recommended by our expert staff.

Even the most subtle factors can be signs of a high arch issue: calluses on the ball, heel or side of the foot, pain when standing, chronic ankle sprains or hammer toes are just a few. When you make an appointment to visit us we will view your gait (foot form when walking), muscle strength and general coordination. It is also good to bring in your most commonly worn shoes so we can check for habitual wear and tear giving us a better idea of how you walk on a regular basis.

After determining the root cause of the high arch(es) treatment may entail custom orthotics, recommended shoes, bracing or surgery.

If you are tired of suffering from daily pain or nuisances and think high arches may be your problem- visit us at Carolina Foot Specialists for the best in your foot care.

You can also take our online assessment to pinpoint warning sings of foot and ankle problems.

Suffering from the Flat Foot Funk?

Flat feet are widely misunderstood, but not as severe as most think.

In a child’s foot the arch usually begins to form as they start standing on their toes and attempting to walk. Generally the absence of arch development is associated with pronation, a leaning inward of the ankle bones toward the center line. Shoes of children who pronate, when placed side by side, will lean toward each other (after they have been worn long enough for the foot position to remodel their shape). Most of these cases have no problems or pain associated with being flatfooted.

Adult-onset of flat feet, also known as painful progressive flatfoot or tibialis posterior tendonitis, refers to the inflammation of the tendon of the tibialis posterior. Left untreated, it may lead to severe disability and chronic pain. People are predisposed to tibialis posterior tendonitis if they have flat feet or an abnormal attachment of the tendon to the bones in the midfoot.

Along with conservative treatments such as icing, stretching and tapping Dr. Brown and Saffer are experts in custom orthotics to relief symptoms of painful progressive flat foot. Our own Dr. Saffer suffers with having Flat Feet but is still an avid 10k runner and athlete by using his knowledge of custom orthotic treatments.

Receive personal, local and expert care with Carolina Foot Specialists.