Items filtered by date: December 2023

Cracked heels, a common foot ailment, manifest as fissures or splits in the skin around the heel area. The primary cause of this condition lies in the lack of moisture, leading to dry and hardened skin. Prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces can exacerbate the problem, as the pressure on the feet intensifies. Obesity is another contributing factor, as excess weight puts additional strain on the feet, fostering the development of cracks. In some cases, underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or hypothyroidism may contribute to the dryness of the skin, increasing the risk of cracked heels. Lack of proper foot care, including infrequent moisturizing and neglecting to exfoliate dead skin, further amplifies the susceptibility to cracked heels. Understanding these causes is pivotal for adopting preventive measures and a comprehensive foot care routine, ensuring the maintenance of soft, healthy heels. If you have developed cracked heels, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer you correct treatment and 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 one of our podiatrists from The Sun Healthcare & Surgery Group. 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 offices located in Antioch, and Martinez, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Birth defects affecting the feet can have a significant impact on a child's life. These abnormalities can range from clubfoot, where the foot is twisted inward, to webbed toes or missing toes, irregularly shaped feet, or fused joints. Addressing these issues early is vital for the child's long-term mobility and comfort. Seeing a podiatrist is essential in such cases. Podiatrists are foot specialists who can diagnose and provide early interventions to manage such birth defects. They assess the child's condition, create a tailored treatment plan, and monitor progress. If you have an infant that has been born with a foot deformity, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist as quickly as possible for an evaluation and treatment plan.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of The Sun Healthcare & Surgery Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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

Our feet and ankles are often overlooked as we perform daily activities, and they deserve dedicated attention in the form of regular stretches. Incorporating these foot and ankle stretches into your routine promotes flexibility, enhances range of motion, and mitigates the risk of injuries. Simple yet effective stretches include toe-pointing and flexing, encouraging mobility in the ankle joints. Rolling the ankles in circular motions helps to maintain flexibility and strengthens the surrounding muscles. Calf stretches, achieved by placing one foot behind the other and gently leaning forward, target the muscles supporting the ankle. Plantar fascia stretches, involving pulling the toes toward you, alleviate tension on the bottom of the foot. Regularly performing these stretches, holding each position for a comfortable duration, contributes to improved circulation, reduced stiffness, and overall foot health. Regularly performing foot and ankle stretches can help to ensure the feet stay strong and limber. If you would like more information about additional stretches to perform, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Why Stretching Is Important for Your Feet

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 The Sun Healthcare & Surgery Group. 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 to determine 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 exercise, 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 to ice and rest the foot. It is advised that you then see a podiatrist for help.

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

A toenail turning black could be more than just a cosmetic concern. Discoloration, particularly a black toenail, is often a sign of an underlying issue that may require attention. One of the primary reasons for a black toenail is a bruise beneath the nail caused by trauma or pressure, also called a subungual hematoma. This common occurrence can result from stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it. It also is common among runners as a result of the repetitive impact of the toenail against the front of the shoe. Shoes that are too tight or poorly fitting may create friction, causing damage to the nail and leading to subungual hematomas. Further, fungal nail infections, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems, diabetes, or vascular disease, can cause toenail discoloration. These infections thrive in moist environments, making sweaty feet more susceptible. Ingrown toenails, a painful condition where the nail grows into the surrounding skin, can also cause discoloration. This may lead to bacterial infections, contributing to the darkening of the nail. In rare cases, a black toenail may be a sign of subungual melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Although uncommon, it is essential to seek medical attention if you notice persistent discoloration that is not linked to trauma or fungal infections. Certain medications can lead to toenail discoloration, including cancer drugs, antibiotics, retinoids, and drugs used to treat autoimmune conditions. If you have noticed your toenail changing in color, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine the cause, and offer treatment options.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of The Sun Healthcare & Surgery Group. Our doctors 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 offices located in Antioch, and Martinez, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.