Cracked heels develop when the skin around the heel becomes dry, thick, and splits due to pressure and lack of moisture. Causes include prolonged standing, wearing open-back shoes, and footwear that does not properly support the heel, which increases stress on the skin. Dry climates can worsen the condition by removing natural moisture. Risk factors include obesity, aging, and poor foot-care habits. Symptoms include rough skin, flaking, discomfort, and painful fissures that can deepen if untreated. A podiatrist can assess severity, remove thickened skin safely, recommend treatments, and provide guidance on proper footwear and hydration. Cracked heels can be painful. If you have developed  this condition, it is 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 Mital Patel, DPM from South Shore Podiatry. 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 Massapequa, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Swollen feet and ankles can result from a variety of underlying conditions that affect circulation and tissue health. Pregnancy commonly leads to fluid retention, due to hormonal changes and increased pressure on blood vessels. Venous insufficiency occurs when veins struggle to return blood to the heart, leading to pooling in the lower extremities. Additionally, phlebitis involves inflammation of veins, while cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection, both of which can cause redness, warmth, and swelling. Risk factors include prolonged standing, excess body weight, and poor circulation. A podiatrist can evaluate the cause of swelling, recommend supportive footwear, and provide treatment to improve circulation and reduce discomfort. Early care is important to prevent complications. If your feet and ankles have become swollen, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief solutions.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Mital Patel, DPM of South Shore Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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

Ankle sprains are acute injuries that commonly affect athletes, especially in sports such as basketball, football, and soccer. They often occur when the foot twists or rolls unexpectedly, placing stress on the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle. This can happen during jumping, cutting, or sudden changes in direction. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Risk factors include previous ankle injuries, poor conditioning, inadequate footwear, and uneven playing surfaces. Without proper care, sprains may lead to instability or repeated injury. A podiatrist can help by evaluating the severity of the sprain, providing treatment to reduce inflammation, and guiding rehabilitation. If you have instability from a sprained ankle, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Mital Patel, DPM from South Shore Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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

Early onset rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition that can affect the joints sooner than expected, sometimes beginning in young adulthood or even earlier. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly targets joint tissue, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and warmth. The feet and ankles are often among the first areas involved, which can make walking uncomfortable and limit daily activity. Symptoms may come and go at first, but without care, joint changes can become more persistent over time. Early evaluation is important to identify the condition and begin treatment that helps control inflammation and protect joint function. Management may include medication, wearing supportive footwear, and strategies to reduce stress on affected joints. Paying attention to subtle changes, such as morning stiffness or swelling, can make a meaningful difference. If joint pain or stiffness is ongoing for you or your child, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Mital Patel, DPM of South Shore Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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