July 2022

Dried out skin on the heels can crack when weight is placed on them and the fat pad in the heels spread. This is a condition known as cracked heels. Cracked heels can vary in severity from mild to severe. Left untreated, some cracked heels can deepen and worsen to the point of pain, bleeding, and even infection. A person is more prone to developing cracked heels if they do not take care of cleaning and moisturizing their heels, if they stand for excessive amounts of time, wear open-back shoes, or walk barefoot frequently. Being overweight can be a contributing factor to the formation of cracked heels, as can certain medical conditions that dry out skin. Certain water-retaining creams applied nightly can sometimes help avoid cracked heels from developing. If you have cracked heels that are not responding to at-home treatment, or you have diabetes and cannot treat them by yourself, it is suggested you contact a podiatrist.

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 Dr. Randy Garr from Utah. 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 Provo, UT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The pain from a severe gout attack can be debilitating. Many patients find it difficult to walk, and even the weight of a bed sheet can be disturbing. Gout is a type of arthritis that is brought on by an excess amount of uric acid in the blood. This converts to crystals, and can lodge in the joints of the big toe. Gout can develop from genetic reasons, leading a sedentary lifestyle, or from eating foods that are not healthy. These include an excess of red meat, shellfish or alcohol, or from having drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. There may also be existing medical conditions that can lead to gout. Among these are obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney damage. A proper diagnosis of gout involves having a blood sample drawn that can determine the uric acid level. In severe cases, there may be a needle inserted into the affected joint, and an analysis of the fluid. Relief may be found when the foot is elevated, and this may help to diminish a portion of the swelling that often accompanies gout. If you have gout attacks, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat this condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Randy Garr from Utah. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

Keeping the feet strong and flexible can help prevent and relieve foot and ankle pain, as well as reduce the risk of injury. Most foot exercises are simple and do not require complicated or expensive equipment to perform. Some easy exercises to increase flexibility and help maintain the strength and mobility of the feet include toe raises, points, the big toe stretch, toe splay, toe curls, marble pickup, sand walking, and toe extensions. Doing such exercises, wearing well-fitting, supportive shoes, not overdoing anything that puts pressure on the feet, and practicing routine grooming of the feet will all help to get the most life out of feet for a lifetime. If you need help with learning how to exercise the feet or how to properly care for them, consult with a podiatrist who can answer any questions and treat issues related to the feet and ankles.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Dr. Randy Garr from Utah. Our doctor 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 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 one, 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 and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

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

Individuals with diabetes ought to be especially diligent in practicing healthy foot care. This is because diabetes can negatively impact nerves and restrict blood circulation throughout the feet. There are a number of ways in which diabetics may go about taking care of their foot health. One of these ways is by wearing diabetic socks, which are specially designed to help prevent common diabetic side effects in the feet. Some diabetic socks use non-elastic binding that holds the sock up on the calf without restricting blood flow to the feet. Other kinds of diabetic socks feature smart technology that can help the wearer identify an incoming ulcer or other problem. Since high blood pressure associated with diabetes can cause ulcers, diabetic socks usually are made without seams to reduce the kind of friction that could create an ulcer. Diabetic socks may not be right for everyone living with diabetes, so you might consider consulting with a podiatrist to see if these socks would work for you.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Randy Garr from Utah. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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