Haglund’s deformity is a bony enlargement that forms at the back of the heel where the Achilles tendon attaches. This bump often rubs against shoes, especially stiff-backed ones, causing irritation, swelling, and pain. Many people notice redness and even blistering in the area before realizing a bone growth is the real source of the problem. Because of this, the condition is sometimes nicknamed the pump bump, as it is common in people who wear rigid dress shoes or high heels. The discomfort may worsen with activity or pressure from footwear, making daily walking difficult. Treatment often begins with avoiding tight shoes and using heel pads. Targeted exercise and orthotics can help ease strain on the tendon. In persistent cases, surgery may be needed to remove the bony prominence. If you have pain from such a bump on your heel, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can recommend the best plan to relieve symptoms and restore comfort.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

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

Cracked heels can be especially concerning for people with diabetes, because reduced blood flow and nerve damage often affect their feet. When circulation is impaired, the skin on the heels may become dry and fragile, increasing the chance of splits that can deepen into painful fissures. Nerve damage may also cause numbness, so when cracks become infected or begin to ulcerate, they may go unnoticed. This delay in detection of cracked heels increases the risk of serious complications, including slow healing wounds that can threaten overall foot health. Factors like being overweight, prolonged standing, and wearing open-back shoes or flip-flops can place added pressure on the heels, making existing cracks worse. A podiatrist can identify early warning signs, assess the extent of nerve and vascular involvement, and provide treatment to help protect the feet from further damage. If you have diabetic foot problems, including cracked heels, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist for help in managing complications of this serious condition.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. Our doctors 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 Duryea, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Corns develop on the feet when constant friction or pressure causes layers of skin to thicken on the tops of toes, between toes, or on bony areas. Corns can become painful, making it difficult to walk or wear shoes comfortably. In some cases a corn may become infected if not properly managed. A podiatrist can determine whether the corn is hard or soft in order to provide the best path to relieve discomfort. Treatment may include trimming away hardened skin in a sterile setting to reduce pressure, recommending shoe modifications to decrease rubbing, or prescribing custom orthotics to improve foot alignment and lower stress on affected areas. If a bone deformity, such as a hammertoe, continues to create pressure, surgery may be considered to correct the underlying problem and prevent recurrence. Professional care is important, as attempting to trim corns at home can lead to further injury. If you have a painful corn on your foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and safe treatment.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Hammertoe is a condition in which the joints of a toe become deformed, causing the toe to bend abnormally downward. This condition generally affects the second toe, but can occur in the third, fourth, or pinky toes. The hammertoe may be flexible or rigid. Signs that indicate you have developed a hammertoe can include pain at the top of the toe due to pressure from your shoes, pain at the base of the toe, corns on top of the toe, redness and swelling, and a decreased range of motion in the affected toe. Treatments depend on the severity of the hammertoe and can include conservative measures, such as wearing specialized foot pads or shoe inserts. In more severe cases surgery may be necessary. If you suspect that you have a hammertoe, it is recommended that you visit a podiatrist for proper care and treatment.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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