Cracked heels are a common foot condition in which the skin surrounding the heel becomes dry, thickened, and split. This occurs when the skin loses moisture and elasticity, making it less able to withstand pressure when standing and walking. Weather changes, especially cold or dry climates, can worsen dryness and contribute to skin breakdown. Symptoms include rough skin, flaking, itching, discomfort, and, in more severe cases, painful fissures that may bleed. Risk factors include prolonged standing, wearing open back footwear, obesity, and underlying medical conditions that affect skin health. A podiatrist can assess the severity, provide professional treatment, and recommend proper skin care. If you have cracked or bleeding heels, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

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 David Lambarski, DPM from Northeast Foot Care. 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 offices located in Amsterdam and Clifton Park, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel pad syndrome is a source of deep, bruise-like pain felt directly in the center of the heel. The heel contains a thick layer of fatty tissue designed to absorb impact and protect the bone when standing and walking. When this cushioning becomes thinner, irritated, or worn down, pressure transfers into the bone and causes persistent discomfort, especially on hard surfaces or during prolonged activity. Unlike plantar fasciitis, the pain usually stays under the middle of the heel rather than along the arch. Risk factors include aging tissue changes, repetitive impact activities, abnormal foot mechanics, excess weight, and poorly cushioned footwear. A podiatrist can distinguish this condition through examination and imaging when needed. Treatment includes medical padding, custom orthotics, taping techniques, and gait modification. These measures are designed to restore shock absorption and prevent further tissue damage. If you have persistent pain in the center of the heel, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact David Lambarski, DPM of Northeast Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Plantar fasciitis, one of the most common causes of heel pain, often develops gradually. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, becomes irritated or strained. Many people notice sharp pain near the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after sitting. The foot may look normal or slightly swollen, but it can feel tight after long periods of standing. Causes include overuse, unsupportive footwear, sudden increases in activity, or foot structure issues, such as high arches. A podiatrist can begin with a detailed exam and imaging to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment includes custom orthotics, shoe guidance, anti-inflammatory care, and targeted exercises to improve strength and flexibility. Early care can reduce chronic pain, restore mobility, and help prevent long-term foot problems. If you have plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact David Lambarski, DPM  from Northeast Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

Persistently cold feet are not always related to weather and can sometimes signal Raynaud's syndrome, a condition that affects blood flow to the toes. Raynaud's causes small blood vessels to narrow excessively in response to cold or stress, leading to pale or bluish skin, numbness, tingling, and aching sensations. During an episode, toes may feel stiff or painful, and normal color and warmth can take time to return. Over time, repeated episodes can increase the risk of skin breakdown, slow healing, or ulcer formation, particularly in people with circulation or nerve issues. A podiatrist can evaluate circulation in the feet, review symptom patterns, rule out other causes of discolored toes, and assess severity. Treatment may focus on foot health, monitoring skin changes, and managing complications. For help dealing with chronically cold feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact David Lambarski, DPM from Northeast Foot Care. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Amsterdam and Clifton Park, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.