Cracked heels, a common foot issue, are more frequently reported in women than men, possibly due to footwear choices or hormonal differences affecting skin elasticity. These dry, thickened skin fissures can develop from prolonged standing, wearing open-backed shoes, or exposure to dry environments. Other risk factors include obesity, aging, and medical conditions like diabetes or eczema, which impair skin health. Prevention starts with keeping feet moisturized and exfoliated to remove dead skin. Wearing supportive, closed-back shoes and using heel balms with urea or salicylic acid can help maintain skin hydration and elasticity. If cracks deepen or cause pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist. They can debride thickened skin, recommend prescription-strength treatments, and address underlying conditions contributing to the problem.
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 Wendy L. Grossman, DPM from New Jersey. 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 our office located in Bloomfield, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Sever's disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a source of heel pain in growing children and adolescents. It is particularly common among those involved in sports with a lot of running, like soccer, or basketball. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes irritated or inflamed due to repetitive stress, often worsened by activities that involve running or jumping. The main symptoms of Sever's disease include heel pain, tenderness, and swelling at the back of the heel, especially after physical activity. Children may also limp or complain of discomfort when walking or standing for long periods. Treatment typically focuses on relieving pain and reducing inflammation. This may include rest and stretching exercises for the Achilles tendon. Custom orthotics or heel pads can also help reduce pressure on the heel. In severe cases, a podiatrist may recommend a period of restricted activity. If your child is dealing with this condition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.
Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Wendy L. Grossman, DPM from New Jersey. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.
Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.
Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.
Symptoms
Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.
Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Bloomfield, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.
Barefoot walking offers many advantages for children, particularly in helping them develop essential skills for movement and coordination. By walking without shoes, children strengthen the muscles and tendons in their feet, which supports their ability to walk properly as they grow. The natural movement of the feet also promotes better alignment of the body, which can lead to improved posture. In addition to the physical benefits, barefoot walking supports brain and nervous system development. The soles of the feet are rich in sensory receptors that help send signals to the brain, enhancing sensory processing and motor function. This sensory feedback helps children improve their balance, coordination, and spatial awareness, contributing to cognitive development. If you would like to learn about additional benefits from having your child walk barefoot, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can monitor your child’s foot health, and discuss whether this is a viable option for your lifestyle.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Wendy L. Grossman, DPM of New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
Make sure their shoes fit properly
Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Bloomfield, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Flat feet, also called fallen arches, occur when the arch of the foot is lower than normal or completely flattened, causing the sole to touch the ground. While this condition is common in children as their arches develop, some people retain flat feet into adulthood. Others develop flat feet later in life due to aging, obesity, diabetes, or arthritis. Flat feet symptoms include pain in the arch, heel, or ankle, swelling, stiffness, and uneven wear on shoes. In some cases, the altered alignment of the feet can affect stability, increasing the risk of tripping or causing discomfort during activity. A podiatrist can diagnose flat feet by examining foot structure and movement. This foot doctor may recommend orthotics, which are custom shoe inserts designed to support the arch, improve foot alignment, and reduce pressure on the feet and ankles. Wearing supportive footwear can also help minimize discomfort. If you are experiencing pain caused by having flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.
Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Wendy L. Grossman, DPM from New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.
Conditions & Problems:
Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.
Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.
Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.
Symptoms
Pain around the heel or arch area
Trouble standing on the tip toe
Swelling around the inside of the ankle
Flat look to one or both feet
Having your shoes feel uneven when worn
Treatment
If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Bloomfield, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
