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December 2022

Cracked heels is a common foot condition that is unsightly and often causes pain and discomfort. There are several reasons for cracked heels to develop. Once this is known, effective preventive methods can be implemented. Weight gain, walking barefoot, or standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day may cause cracked heels. Remedies can include having extra cushioning in the shoes if it is mandatory to stand all day, losing added weight, and wearing shoes that can protect the feet from outside environments. Some people have medical conditions that may lead to getting cracked heels, consisting of psoriasis or eczema. Taking prescribed medications may help the body’s immune system to improve, which may prevent cracked heels. If you have developed this condition, it is urged that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can recommend relief options, and inform you of additional prevention techniques.

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 William Urton, DPM from British Columbia. 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 Langley, BC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Solutions for Cracked Heels
Tuesday, 20 December 2022 00:00

Uncomfortable Swollen Feet During Pregnancy

Swollen feet during pregnancy are often a nuisance for most women. Larger shoes may need to be purchased, and they can produce a general feeling of discomfort. Knowing swollen feet will gradually dissipate may help to ease thoughts about the tenderness that is often associated with this condition. There are various reasons why feet can become swollen during this time. These can include the extra fluid and thicker blood the body produces to support the growing fetus, in addition to hormone changes that can affect circulation. This can cause the blood to collect in the legs, and mild relief may come from frequently propping them up. It may also help to reduce the amount of time standing and walking during the day. Additionally, limiting sodium intake and sleeping on the left side may be beneficial in reducing the amount of swelling in the ankles. If you have questions about your swollen feet during this time in your life, please ask a podiatrist who can help you with your concerns.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with William Urton, DPM from British Columbia. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

  • Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
  • Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
  • Wear shoes with good arch support
  • Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
  • Elevate feet if you experience swelling
  • Massage your feet
  • Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

Read more about Foot Care for Pregnant Women
Tuesday, 13 December 2022 00:00

Discoloration and Toe Pain

When an individual experiences toe pain, there might be any number of causes behind the pain. One important cause of toe pain occurs when heavy objects are effectively dropped on the toe and an injury results from the impact. In response to this injury, it is possible for the toe and the toenail to feel painful. The toenail might feel painful to the touch, for example. Also, sometimes discoloration in the toenail might accompany feelings of pain in the toenail. For instance, blood can ultimately pile up beneath the nail in these situations. The toenail might then appear to be discolored, appearing slightly red, purple, blue, or even black. If you suspect that you suffered some kind of toe injury and are experiencing toe pain and toenail discoloration as a result, contact a podiatrist today to schedule an examination. This foot specialist will help you solve your foot problems.


 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact William Urton, DPM of British Columbia. 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 feel free to contact our office located in Langley, BC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Toe Pain
Wednesday, 07 December 2022 00:00

Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

Tuesday, 06 December 2022 00:00

What Is Synovitis?

Synovitis is inflammation of the tissues that line a joint. Those with gout or another form of arthritis may be at risk for synovitis. It is also a result of overuse or trauma to a joint. Symptoms include redness, swelling, warmth, and pain with joint motion. Since pain or synovitis might mimic that of other afflictions, like fractures or infections, it is important to see a podiatrist and have the feet evaluated. Treatment often includes rest, immobilization, and medications. Surgery may be necessary for synovitis that has persisted. If you feel pain in your feet and ankle joints, see a podiatrist  to get a proper diagnosis and learn about treatment options.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact William Urton, DPM of British Columbia. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

  • Freiberg’s disease
  • Kohler’s disease
  • Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Langley, BC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
 

Read more about Rare Foot Conditions
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