Items filtered by date: January 2020

A common cause of cracked heels often begins with dry skin. As this progresses, the skin on the outer edges of the heel may bleed, causing pain and discomfort. This can happen as a result of environment, genetics, and medical conditions that can include diabetes and thyroid concerns. It may become worse as daily activities are accomplished, and this may be a result of the weight the heel endures while standing and walking. Many patients have found relief when the feet are washed and dried thoroughly, followed by applying a good moisturizer. For mild cases of cracked heels, it may be beneficial to soak the feet in warm water to soften the skin. If you have the beginning symptoms of cracked heels, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you proper treatment 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 Philip K. Schrumpf, DPM from Active Feet Clinic. 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 Missoula, MT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Patients who have excessively sweaty feet may have a condition that is referred to as plantar hyperhidrosis. It may be caused by genetic factors, in addition to extreme emotional or physical stress. This condition may be treated by wearing inner soles that are absorbent, and the feet may feel better while using powders that can absorb the sweat. Additionally, it may help to change socks frequently, which may be beneficial in preventing an infection. If you are suffering from sweaty feet, it is advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can help you find the right treatment method.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Philip K. Schrumpf, DPM of Active Feet Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

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

Many women are aware of the numerous aches and pains the body may experience throughout pregnancy. A common area for pain to occur is in the feet. This may be caused by the additional weight that builds during pregnancy, which may affect the arch, causing it to either disappear in the feet, or become extremely low. The feet may roll inward as a result of flat feet, and this may cause significant pain. Relief may be found when appropriate shoes are worn, and it may help to wear custom orthotics. Another common ailment that many pregnant women experience is swollen feet. This happens as a result of increased fluids and blood volume. To lessen the swelling, it may help to avoid foods that have elevated levels of salt, elevate the legs as often as possible, and wear shoes that fit correctly. If you have any questions about how pregnancy can affect the feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Philip K. Schrumpf, DPM from Active Feet Clinic. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

An effective way of checking to see if you have flat feet is to stand on the floor and notice if your entire foot touches the ground. Flat feet are generally not a cause for serious concern, despite the fact that there may be mild pain. Moderate relief may be found when custom made orthotics are worn, and this may help to provide the arch support that is needed for daily walking. Additionally, there may be specific foot stretches that can be frequently practiced which can be beneficial in strengthening  the foot. Common causes for this condition can include genetic factors, insufficient foot growth, or medical conditions that may affect the foot muscles. If you have flat feet, it is suggested that you be under the care of a podiatrist who can help you with managing this condition.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Philip K. Schrumpf, DPM from Active Feet Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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