Items filtered by date: March 2020

Cracked heels, if left untreated, can be an incredibly uncomfortable condition to deal with. If the cracks or fissures of the heel become deep enough, those affected may experience pain while standing, walking, or when putting any amount of pressure on the heels. Those who are obese, stand for long periods of time, or frequently wear open back shoes, may be more susceptible to developing cracked heels. Some of the first symptoms you may notice with this condition can include a hardening or thickening of the skin on the heels. In some cases, corns or calluses may form on the heel as well. In more severe cases, the heels may become discolored or begin bleeding, which is often indicative that an infection has formed. For more information, or to best treat cracked heels, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for professional care.

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 one of our podiatrists from Dr. Kane & Associates, P.C. Our doctors 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 Westland, MI.. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A blister generally forms as a result of excess friction. When a blister develops on the feet, walking, running, and performing daily activities may be difficult to accomplish. Blisters are considered to be common among those who enjoy sports and hiking. They are defined as a pocket of fluid that forms over the affected portion of skin, which is the body’s natural method of protecting the damaged skin. When new skin has formed, the blister will gradually drain. There are methods that can be implemented which may help to prevent blisters. These may include wearing shoes that fit correctly, and wearing socks that are made of breathable materials. Additionally, it may help to wear cushioned insoles that can provide extra comfort. If you are afflicted with blisters on the feet, it is advised that you speak with a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Dr. Kane & Associates, P.C. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

A form of stretching, which is referred to as chair yoga, may be beneficial to practice after sitting and standing for extended periods of time. It can be helpful to stretch the feet in a classroom environment, which can be accomplished by a variety of methods. Heel raises are performed while keeping both heels flat on the floor, and lifting one heel at a time. After holding this position for a few seconds, repeat with the other foot. When the toes and feet are flexible, it may lead to easing tension in the shoulders and neck. This can be a result of utilizing the reflex zones that are located in the feet, and is accomplished by clenching the toes and soles of the feet, and then relaxing them. If you would like additional information about the benefits of stretching the feet, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from Dr. Kane & Associates, P.C. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

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

If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.

Research has indicated that a large percentage of runners may endure injuries every year. This may be a result of not warming up or cooling down after a run, or it may happen from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Common injuries can occur from running long distances without resting. Additionally, It may be beneficial to keep track of how far you run each day, and to note signs of stress, which may include irritability and fatigue. If you would like information about proper stretches that can be performed to strengthen the feet, that may also help to minimize the risk of obtaining a running injury, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Dr. Kane & Associates, P.C. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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