Cracked heels occur when the skin on the heel becomes dry, thick, and loses elasticity, leading to painful splits or fissures. They often develop from a combination of physiological predisposition, environmental factors, chemical irritants, and repeated stress on the feet from standing or walking on hard surfaces. These cracks can worsen over time and may even become infected, if untreated. A podiatrist can assess the severity, remove thickened skin safely, recommend protective treatments, and address underlying causes, such as abnormal gait or footwear. Do not let dry heels cause discomfort. If you have developed this uncomfortable condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat cracked heels, which may include prescribed medication.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Glenn Aufseeser, DPM from Lakewood Foot and Ankle Specialists. 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 Lakewood and Manchester Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoe is a deformity where a toe bends abnormally at the middle joint, often caused by muscle imbalance, tight shoes, or injury. When conservative treatments fail, hammertoe surgery can help restore alignment and relieve pain. The procedure may involve tendon transfer to balance toe movement, joint resection to remove part of the bone, or fusion to permanently straighten the joint. Recovery typically includes rest, proper footwear, and a gradual return to activity. A podiatrist can evaluate your condition, explain surgical options, and guide you through recovery for the best outcome. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to discuss if surgical options are right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Glenn Aufseeser, DPM of Lakewood Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Lakewood and Manchester Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Stepping on a rogue object can turn a pleasant walk into a painful memory. We have all experienced that sudden, sharp sting of a puncture wound on the foot. While it may seem like a small annoyance, ignoring it can lead to bigger problems lurking beneath the surface. When a sharp item penetrates the skin, it can push dirt, bacteria, or pieces of the object itself deep into the tissue. This creates a perfect environment for infection. Even a small piece of glass or a splinter can cause significant trouble if not properly removed and treated. Your feet are your foundation, and their health is vital to your overall wellbeing. If you have a puncture wound, especially if it is deep, bleeds significantly, or if you see signs of redness and swelling, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist as quickly as possible for appropriate treatment.

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 Glenn Aufseeser, DPM from Lakewood Foot and Ankle Specialists. 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 contact our offices located in Lakewood and Manchester Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

High-arches, also known as cavus foot, occur when the arch is raised higher than normal, which changes how pressure is distributed across the foot. Instead of spreading weight evenly, pressure is concentrated on the heels, balls of the foot, and the outer edge of the feet. This often leads to toe and ankle pain, and increases the likelihood of instability. Because a high arch is less flexible and absorbs less shock, the foot tends to roll outward when walking, which raises the risk of ankle sprains and stress fractures. Symptoms linked to  high arches include calluses, hammertoes, claw toes, or discomfort in the ball of the foot. Over time, persistent pressure can also contribute to plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, assess gait, and recommend treatment to improve function or, if needed, surgery to correct severe deformities. If you have high arch pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for expert advice and appropriate treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Glenn Aufseeser, DPM from Lakewood Foot and Ankle Specialists. 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 offices located in Lakewood and Manchester Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.