Tag: Cracked Heels

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Your Feet Deserve More in 2024

We’ve stepped into a fresh New Year, 2024, and it’s brimming with possibilities. Yet while resolutions often focus on distant horizons, sometimes the greatest rewards lie closer to home – right beneath our feet, to be precise!

New England Podiatry emphasizes cutting-edge treatment technology, but we’re also committed to patient education. So, this year, let’s prioritize the often-overlooked heroes of our daily journeys: Our feet.

Here are some easy-to-implement resolutions for happy, healthy feet that will carry you confidently throughout 2024:

1. Deal with Cracked Heels: Dry, cracked heels are unsightly and painful. Combat them with regular moisturizing, and consider wearing open-back shoes at home to allow your skin to breathe.

2. Clip with Care: Proper nail care is paramount! Trim your nails straight across, avoiding rounded edges that can dig into neighboring toes. Invest in quality nail clippers and disinfect them regularly.

3. Ditch the Tight Fits: Say no to toe-pinching footwear. Instead, go for shoes that comfortably accommodate your foot shape and width. Adequate space is crucial for preventing bunions, corns, and hammertoes.

4. Move it or Lose it: Regular exercise is essential for your feet, too! Gentle stretching, walking, or even dancing can improve circulation, strengthen muscles, and prevent stiffness.

5. Make Prevention a Priority: Schedule regular podiatric checkups for comprehensive foot health assessments. Early detection and preventive care can nip potential problems in the bud before they turn into more significant concerns.

6. Embrace Sock Savvy: Choose socks made from breathable, moisture-wicking materials like cotton or wool. Avoid tight socks that can restrict circulation and promote fungal growth.

7. Treat Your Feet to a Foot Massage: Self-massage or a professional session can ease tension, improve circulation, and leave your feet feeling fresh.

Wondering what you can do to maintain good foot and ankle health? The easiest way to find out is simple: come check in with our expert podiatrists!

Dr. Catherine Jacobs, Dr. Zachary Sax, Dr. Joshua Oulette, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, and Dr. Raymond Murano III  provide comprehensive medical and surgical care for a wide spectrum of foot and ankle conditions and injuries. Our firm has proudly served the Boston area since 1984. We utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment technology to find the best solution for each individual. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

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What You Should Know About Diabetic Foot Care

People with diabetes are prone to many foot problems. When you have diabetes, being aware of how foot problems can arise from disturbances in the skin, nails, nerves, bones, muscles, and blood vessels is essential. Furthermore, in diabetics, small foot problems can turn into serious complications. Let’s look at what you need to know to manage this condition for healthy feet.

The Risk of Diabetes

Both nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor blood circulation can cause loss of feeling in your feet. This may take away your ability to feel pain and discomfort, making it difficult to detect an injury. Poor circulation in your feet also reduces your ability to heal, making it hard for even a tiny cut to resist infection.

Having diabetes puts you at risk for developing a wide range of foot problems, such as:

What You Can Do

Luckily, you can do a variety of things to decrease the risk of developing serious complications from diabetes. You play a vital role in reducing complications. Here are some tips:

  • Inspect your feet daily.
  • Pay attention to the color of your feet and toes. If they turn red, pink, or purplish, poor circulation may be a problem.
  • Don’t ignore foot or leg pain.
  • Keep floors free of sharp objects. With reduced sensitivity, you may not notice any inflicted wounds or cuts on your feet.
  • Don’t go barefoot. Wear shoes indoors and outdoors.

At New England Podiatry Associates, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, Dr. Raymond Murano III, Dr. Catherine Jacobs, Dr. Joshua Ouellette, and Dr. Zachary Sax treat various foot and ankle conditions. Equipped with a board-certified podiatrist team, we offer two convenient locations to provide excellent care for patients in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Middlesex Counties. Contact our Chestnut Hill office at 617-232-1752 and our Newton-Wellesley office at 617-630-8280. We are still offering a telemedicine option for your safety and convenience.

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Help Your Feet Age Healthily

September is Healthy Aging Month! It is the perfect time to take a moment to look at the most common problems older people have with their feet and then go over some easy tips seniors can take to make sure their feet are the healthiest they can be. How can you help your feet? Let’s take a look.

Common Problems for Aging Feet

Older people can have many problems with their feet as they age. Here are the most common ones:

Senior Foot Care Tips

Your feet naturally age with the rest of your body, but that doesn’t mean you have to put up with painful foot problems. Follow these tips to keep your feet in the best shape possible:

  • Wear proper footwear. Make sure your shoes are flexible, and they fit correctly.
  • Visit an experienced podiatrist.
  • Maintain good circulation. You can do this by getting regular exercise. Just walking daily for an hour is beneficial. You can also massage your feet to increase circulation. Avoiding sitting for long periods also helps. If you smoke, quit as soon as possible.
  • Keep your feet warm. Heavy socks can help keep the cold out.
  • Clean your feet daily. Make sure you use soap and water.
  • Use lotion. As we age, our skin can become drier. Applying lotion can prevent cracks that may occur with dry skin.
  • Check your feet every day.
  • Avoid walking barefoot.
  • Use a cane. Older people may have problems with balance, which can lead to a bad fall. A cane or walker can help.
  • Stretch before any strenuous activity. It can help your feet stay flexible.

If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort with your feet, contact your podiatrist ASAP!

At New England Podiatry Associates, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, Dr. Raymond Murano III, Dr. Catherine Jacobs, Dr. Joshua Ouellette, and Dr. Zachary Sax treat various foot and ankle conditions. Equipped with a board-certified podiatrist team, we offer two convenient locations to provide excellent care for patients in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Middlesex Counties. Contact our Chestnut Hill office at 617-232-1752 and our Newton-Wellesley office at 617-630-8280. We are still offering a telemedicine option for your safety and convenience.