The skin on the bottom of the feet can be sensitive, despite it being able to support the weight of the body. The foot condition that is known as cracked heels can be uncomfortable, and it can happen for a variety of reasons. These can include wearing shoes that have an open back and standing on hard or uneven surfaces for most of the day. Additionally, it can occur from not drinking adequate amounts of water, or from a lack of moisturizing the feet. Some patients notice they have cracked heels from taking extremely hot baths or showers, or from using harsh soaps on their feet. Severely cracked heels may lead to developing fissures, which can bleed and become infected. It is beneficial for people who are diabetic to pay extra attention to their feet, and this may help to avoid complicated foot conditions from developing. If you have cracked heels, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer you treatment solutions, in addition to learning about effective prevention techniques.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Kent DiNucci, DPM from Ankle and Foot Clinic . 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 Omaha, NE . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout results from a buildup of uric acid in the body and most commonly affects the big toe. Noticeable symptoms of gout are an intense burning pain, along with swelling and redness.  It is also possible to have a buildup of uric acid, but experience no symptoms. This form of gout is called asymptomatic gout. Additionally, there are acute gout symptoms, which can last for three to 10 days, but are not present outside of gout attacks. If gout goes untreated, it can lead to chronic gout, which is much harder to manage. Chronic gout can cause hard lumps to form in joints and tissues surrounding them. These lumps can cause permanent damage. If you think you are suffering from gout, then it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist for help in managing this condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Kent DiNucci, DPM from Ankle and Foot Clinic . 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 Omaha, NE . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toe pain can result from several conditions, with gout, hammertoe, and bunions being among the most common. Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid, leading to sudden, intense joint pain, redness, and swelling, often in the big toe. Hammertoes develop when a toe bends abnormally at the middle joint due to muscle imbalance, causing discomfort, corns, or calluses. Bunions form when the big toe shifts inward, creating a painful bump on the side of the foot. These conditions may cause sharp, throbbing, or aching pain, along with visible changes in toe alignment or swelling. They can make walking, wearing shoes, or standing for long periods of time difficult. A podiatrist can diagnose the exact cause of toe pain through a physical examination and imaging tests. Treatment options include medication, orthotics, footwear changes, or, in some cases, surgery. If you have ongoing toe pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to find the most effective solution for lasting relief.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Kent DiNucci, DPM of Ankle and Foot Clinic . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Omaha, NE . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Neuropathy is a condition that results from damage to the nerves, often affecting the feet. It can involve sensory nerves, which transmit sensations such as pain, temperature, and touch. Motor nerves control muscle movement, and autonomic nerves regulate involuntary functions like sweating and blood flow. Damage to these nerves can lead to symptoms including numbness, tingling, burning sensations, weakness, balance difficulties, and changes in skin or toenail health. Early recognition and management are vital to prevent complications. A podiatrist can evaluate nerve function, provide treatments to relieve discomfort, recommend protective footwear, and develop a comprehensive care plan. If you have unusual sensations or pain in your feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for an expert evaluation and guidance.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Kent DiNucci, DPM from Ankle and Foot Clinic . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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