Cracked heels occur when the skin on the heels becomes dry, thick, and splits, often causing pain or bleeding. Common causes include walking barefoot, wearing open back shoes, using harsh soaps, vitamin deficiencies, in addition to fungal infections, or underlying conditions such as thyroid disorders. These factors can weaken the skin’s natural barrier, leading to rough and painful fissures. Proper foot care is essential to restore moisture and prevent infection. A podiatrist can evaluate the cause, remove thickened skin safely, and recommend treatments such as moisturizing creams or custom orthotics. Do not ignore painful or unsightly cracks on your heels as they can become worse, possibly leading to an infection. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, 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 Emil Babayev, DPM from New York. 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 Midwood and Kensington in Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Diabetes can quietly damage the nerves that allow you to feel sensations in your feet, a condition known as diabetic neuropathy. When blood sugar levels remain high for long periods of time, the tiny blood vessels that nourish the nerves become weakened. Over time, this limits circulation and causes the nerves to lose their ability to send signals properly. Many people first notice tingling, burning, or numbness in their toes or soles, which can lead to unnoticed injuries or sores. Without early care, these wounds may become infected and difficult to heal. A podiatrist can help manage diabetic neuropathy by checking for changes in sensation, recommending protective footwear, and advising on daily foot inspections. If you have diabetes, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can prevent nerve-related complications and maintain foot health.

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 Emil Babayev, DPM from New York. 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 offices located in Midwood and Kensington in Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pronation and supination describe how the feet roll during walking or running, affecting the way weight is distributed with each step. Pronation occurs when the foot rolls inward, allowing the arch to flatten and absorb shock. Supination happens when the foot rolls outward, placing pressure on the outer edge. When these motions become excessive, they can lead to foot pain, arch strain, and ankle instability. Overpronation may cause stress on the heel and inner arch, while oversupination often results in discomfort in the outer foot or ankle. Improper shoe support, high arches, or flat feet often influence these gait patterns. A podiatrist can evaluate the alignment and function of the feet, recommend supportive footwear or orthotic devices, and discuss corrective options, when necessary. If you have foot pain, especially after activity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Emil Babayev, DPM from New York. 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 Midwood and Kensington in Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Bone spurs in the feet, also called osteophytes, form when the body produces extra calcium in response to stress, friction, or inflammation. These growths are not always painful, but they can interfere with nearby tissues and cause discomfort. Heel spurs are one of the most common types. They develop beneath the heel bone from strain on the plantar fascia or at the back of the heel due to tension from the Achilles tendon. Tarsal spurs occur in the midfoot, either on the top or bottom, and often make wearing shoes painful because of pressure against the spur. Toe joint spurs typically affect the big toe, leading to stiffness, limited motion, and pain while walking, especially when arthritis is present. A podiatrist can determine the cause of the bone spur, relieve pressure on surrounding structures, and recommend treatment. If you are experiencing foot or heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Emil Babayev, DPM from New York. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Midwood and Kensington in Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.