Cracked heels are a common foot condition in which the skin surrounding the heel becomes dry, thickened, and split. This occurs when the skin loses moisture and elasticity, making it less able to withstand pressure when standing and walking. Weather changes, especially cold or dry climates, can worsen dryness and contribute to skin breakdown. Symptoms include rough skin, flaking, itching, discomfort, and, in more severe cases, painful fissures that may bleed. Risk factors include prolonged standing, wearing open back footwear, obesity, and underlying medical conditions that affect skin health. A podiatrist can assess the severity, provide professional treatment, and recommend proper skin care. If you have cracked or bleeding heels, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

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 Richard P. Jacoby, DPM from Extremity Health Centers. 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 Scottsdale and Buckeye, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A plantar fibroma is a firm, noncancerous growth that develops within the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. A fibroma typically appears as a small, noticeable lump in the arch that may gradually increase in size. The exact cause is not always clear, but genetic factors are believed to play a role, and repeated foot strain or trauma may contribute to its development. Symptoms can include localized tenderness, discomfort while walking, and a sensation of pressure when standing for long periods of time. Although some fibromas remain painless, others may interfere with daily activities. A podiatrist can evaluate the growth and recommend supportive care or advanced treatment options. If you have signs of a plantar fibroma, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Richard P. Jacoby, DPM of Extremity Health Centers. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Scottsdale and Buckeye, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A bunion is a common foot deformity that develops when there is a visible bump at the base of the joint in the big toe as the toe shifts towards the smaller toes. Bunions are also known as hallux valgus, a medical term that describes the angled position of the big toe. Some people refer to them as metatarsophalangeal joint deformities, although this term is used less often outside of clinical settings. Bunions may be painless at first, but over time, they can lead to redness, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty wearing certain shoes. Genetics, foot structure, arthritis, and long-standing pressure from narrow footwear all play a role in their development. Diagnosis usually involves a physical exam, discussion of symptoms, and imaging such as X-rays to evaluate joint alignment and severity. If a bunion becomes painful, interferes with walking, or continues to worsen, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Richard P. Jacoby, DPM of Extremity Health Centers. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Scottsdale and Buckeye, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis both affect joints, but they develop in very different ways. Osteoarthritis is a wear-related condition that occurs when joint cartilage gradually breaks down over time. In the feet, it often causes stiffness, aching, and pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks joint lining. This leads to inflammation, swelling, warmth, and pain that may affect both feet symmetrically. Symptoms often feel worse in the morning or after periods of rest. Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause joint deformity if left untreated. Treatment approaches differ. Osteoarthritis care focuses on reducing stress on joints and improving movement, while rheumatoid arthritis requires medical management to control inflammation and protect joints. If foot pain, stiffness, or swelling persists, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment guidance.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Richard P. Jacoby, DPM from Extremity Health Centers. 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 Scottsdale and Buckeye, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.