Cracked heels can be more than a cosmetic concern, they may signal underlying nutritional deficiencies. Vitamins play a vital role in maintaining healthy skin and preventing such issues. Vitamin A, essential for skin repair and cell turnover, helps prevent dryness and cracking. A vitamin deficiency can lead to rough, flaky skin on the feet. Vitamin E is known for its antioxidant properties and its ability to promote skin healing and hydration, so low levels can impair the skin's ability to recover from damage. Vitamin C is vital for collagen production, which supports skin elasticity and strength. Insufficient Vitamin C can result in weakened skin prone to cracks and splits. Ensuring a balanced diet rich in these vitamins can help maintain healthy, smooth heels and prevent cracks. Cracked heels can be unsightly, and sometimes painful if fissures develop. If you have troublesome cracked heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for treatment suggestions.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Stephen Boykins, DPM from SoCal Podiatry, P.C.. Our doctor 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 offices located in Downey and Moreno Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Flat feet occur when the arch of the foot collapses, causing the entire foot to make contact with the ground. This condition can arise from genetics, trauma, or underlying health issues like diabetes. While many people with flat feet manage symptoms through nonsurgical treatments, surgery may become necessary when these interventions fail to provide relief. Complications from flatfoot can include changing the way you walk, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendonitis, which can significantly impact daily activities. Custom orthotics, bracing, stretching exercises, and certain medications can help to alleviate pain and improve foot function. But when these measures are insufficient, a podiatrist may recommend surgical reconstruction to restore the foot's arch and alleviate discomfort. Surgery typically involves repairing or reconstructing tendons and ligaments, realigning bones, or fusing joints to create a stable arch. Because recovery from flatfoot surgery can take up to three months, carefully following post-operative care instructions is paramount to a successful outcome. If you have severe pain from flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determne if surgery is right for you.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Stephen Boykins, DPM from SoCal Podiatry, P.C.. 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 offices located in Downey and Moreno Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

There are many causes for blisters, which are small sacs of fluid that form on the body. One of the main causes of blisters on the feet is new, tight, or ill-fitting shoes. The harder areas of the shoe can rub against your heels, soles, and toes, and if the motion is repeated for long periods, blisters often will form. These become very painful, especially if you continue the activity. Excessive moisture or perspiration, more often in warmer weather, also may cause blisters. There are a few precautions you can take to prevent blisters. Keeping the feet dry and putting powder on them to reduce sweating, and wearing moisture-wicking socks can help. Wearing softer, more flexible shoes can reduce the chances of blister formation, and reducing your activity for a few days will allow them to heal on their own. If a blister pops open, is extremely large, or won’t heal, it is suggested that you seek the professional care of a podiatrist who can safely drain the area and help reduce the chance of infection. 

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Stephen Boykins, DPM of SoCal Podiatry, P.C.. 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 offices located in Downey and Moreno Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth, or CMT, disease is a hereditary condition that affects the ability of the peripheral nerves to communicate with the muscles, joints, and skin. A progressive condition, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease affects the lower extremities first, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy, particularly in the legs and feet. Symptoms such as balance difficulties, high foot arches, twisted ankles, and foot slapping can make walking and finding appropriate footwear challenging. With no cure available, managing CMT involves stretching and exercise techniques to preserve muscle strength and flexibility, while orthotic devices and braces can provide much-needed support for improved mobility. In severe cases, surgery might be necessary to correct bone deformities. Consulting a podiatrist can be particularly beneficial in managing CMT-related foot issues, offering personalized treatments and recommendations to enhance quality of life. If you are suffering from a rare foot condition, such as CMT, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for guidance in managing its symptoms.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Stephen Boykins, DPM of SoCal Podiatry, P.C.. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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

 Diabetic foot ulcers are serious complications of diabetes, characterized by open sores or wounds that typically develop on the feet. They result from poor circulation, nerve damage, also called neuropathy, and impaired immune function associated with diabetes. Treatment involves meticulous wound care, which includes cleaning the ulcer with gentle soap and water, applying antibiotic ointment, and covering it with a sterile dressing. Offloading pressure from the affected foot is important to prevent further irritation and aid healing. Podiatrists can conduct regular exams to monitor ulcers, assess circulation, and provide guidance on footwear and hygiene. Timely intervention can prevent complications such as infections or amputations. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested you visit a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

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 Stephen Boykins, DPM from SoCal Podiatry, P.C.. 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 offices located in Downey and Moreno Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.