April 2022

While cracked heels may be considered by most to be an unsightly and mildly uncomfortable nuisance, they can develop into a more troublesome and serious condition in certain cases. Cracked heels can often improve with home treatment—such as by sloughing off dead skin in the shower with a pumice stone or by applying foot cream at night and covering the feet with cotton socks. However, the elderly, and people with certain medical issues should not attempt to treat cracked heels at home. Cracked heels that are allowed to deepen may bleed, and become painful or even infected. Severely cracked heels can be particularly problematic in older adults, or people with diabetes, eczema, psoriasis, or thyroid issues, and should be attended to by a podiatrist to help treat them properly and safely, and to avoid the possible development of cellulitis or a foot ulcer.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Robert Marcus from Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. 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 Teaneck, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many people take up running to get in shape or lose weight. Running is an easy form of exercise to do, because the only real equipment you need is a good pair of running shoes. Choosing the proper footwear is essential, making sure that you consider size, fit, cushioning, and support. A podiatrist can offer advice on the correct footwear to get you started. It is also a good idea to walk before you run, easing into it with 10- to 30-minute walks before including running. Experts suggest running twice a week at first and increasing time, distance and speed incrementally. To help avoid injury, warming up before you start increases blood flow to the muscles and helps prevent cramps and strains. Afterward, be sure to stretch and cool down. If you have any specific foot or ankle problems or previous injuries, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for guidance on how to run safely.

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 Dr. Robert Marcus of Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. Our doctor 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 Teaneck, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The bones in babies feet are made of flexible and soft cartilage. As the child grows, the bones harden and provide the ability to walk and run. Most children are born with flat feet, and the arch generally develops in the teenage years. Research has indicated there are three foot shapes that are inherited. When the big toe is the biggest toe, this is referred to as a tapered shape. A rounded shape is noticeable when the second or third toe is longer than the big toe. A square shape is defined as all the toes appearing to be the same length. It is beneficial to have your child walk barefoot while indoors, as this can be helpful in strengthening the overall foot. Additionally, tickling can enable the child to point and flex the feet. If you would like more information about how to care for your child’s feet, please speak with a podiatrist.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Robert Marcus of Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. 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 Teaneck, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.