Items filtered by date: March 2023

People who enjoy running can experience many benefits including increased endorphins. Conversely, avid runners may see they have developed cracked heels, which can cause pain and discomfort while making it difficult to run. There are generally four stages that runners see when developing cracked heels, which begin with their feet becoming red, sensitive, and dry. This can be followed by an itchy and burning sensation, which can lead to cracked and peeling skin. If treatment is not started, the cracks in the skin may begin to bleed, causing the feet to look unattractive. A common reason for cracked heels to develop is a lack of hydration of the skin. Cracked heels found in runners are often increased as a result of the impact of running, and from wearing socks and shoes that may become sweaty. If you have developed this foot condition, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the treatment method that is correct for you.

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 Amir Shalev, DPM from Complete Foot & Ankle Care. 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 Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many individuals all across the world choose to run regularly, either as a way to exercise or as a recreational activity. The biomechanics that are at play when an individual is engaged in running are significantly complex. For example, many different bones and muscles are working during a run to accomplish different objectives. One interesting aspect of foot biomechanics during running is that an individual might benefit if they use their feet to push down into the ground during a run. Although many runners might intuitively think they should use their feet to strike the ground and push off of the ground, a runner could potentially benefit from pushing down into the ground. This is because your body will require less energy to produce force and the manner in which your foot hits the ground could decrease one’s chance of injury. If you are someone that enjoys running, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist to schedule an appointment. 

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Amir Shalev, DPM from Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

Blisters are common foot injuries that often result from repeated friction of the toes against the inside of a stiff shoe. A blister formation is actually nature’s way of protecting the skin by separating its layers and allowing fluid to form in between them. This fluid is called serum, which protects the lower layers of skin from damage. Three main types of blisters are friction, blood, and heat blisters. There are a number of ways to prevent blisters, such as keeping your feet dry. This is especially useful for runners, who may need to invest in moisture-wicking socks. Another popular prevention method is to wear shoes that fit properly. They shouldn’t be too small, large, tight, or loose, as any of these conditions can contribute to blister formation. If you frequently notice blisters forming in one or more particular spots, try protecting that area with bandages or other coverings. And finally, when you start to feel a blister coming on, stop the activity. If your blister does not heal on its own or becomes infected, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for safe and antiseptic treatment.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Amir Shalev, DPM of Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor 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 Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A foot ulcer is any open sore on the foot. Such a sore may be on the surface of the skin or extend down to the tendons and bones. While commonly associated with diabetes, foot ulcers can arise from other various sources. Those with poor circulation, abnormalities in the bones or muscles of the feet, and skin cancer can develop foot ulcers that can become infected, are difficult to heal, and can have serious consequences for one’s health. An untreated infection can turn into an abscess or pocket of pus, cellulitis, a bone infection, or gangrene. It is suggested that you examine your feet daily and see a podiatrist as soon as possible if you notice an open sore on your foot.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Amir Shalev, DPM from Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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