Cracked heels occur when the skin around the heel becomes excessively dry and thick, then splits. The heels may look rough, or yellowed, with visible lines or deep fissures that can sometimes bleed. The skin often feels tight and itchy, especially when standing or walking for long periods. Causes include dry weather, prolonged standing, and certain medical conditions like diabetes or skin disorders. A podiatrist can help from the start by accurately diagnosing the severity of the cracks and identifying contributing factors. Early treatment may include safe debridement of thickened skin, prescription moisturizers, and infection prevention. Care can then progress into customized treatment plans, footwear recommendations, and long-term skin care education to prevent recurrence. Proper foot care can improve comfort and restore skin health. If you are dealing with painful cracked heels, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

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 Gregory Rorick, DPM from Rorick Podiatry, PC. 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 office located in New York Mills, Utica, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoes occur when the small toes bend abnormally, creating pressure points that lead to irritation, inflammation, and difficulty wearing shoes comfortably. As the deformity progresses, corns and calluses often form over the raised joints, increasing discomfort and limiting mobility. A podiatrist can relieve pain by addressing both the symptoms and the underlying mechanics of the foot. Treatment may begin with trimming or reducing thickened skin, applying protective padding, or recommending custom orthotics to improve alignment and reduce pressure on the affected toes. In some cases, splinting or taping can help position the toe more comfortably and slow the progression of the deformity. If hammertoe pain becomes persistent or if the toe becomes rigid, minimally invasive or surgical correction may be the most effective option to restore function and relieve discomfort. If you are experiencing hammertoe pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist to ensure targeted care that is designed to improve comfort and support long-term foot health.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Gregory Rorick, DPM from Rorick Podiatry, PC. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in New York Mills, Utica, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot corns are small, thickened areas of hardened skin that develop due to repeated pressure or friction, often on the tops, sides, or soles of the feet. They commonly form from wearing tight shoes, abnormal foot mechanics, or frequent walking or standing. Symptoms include raised, rough bumps that can be tender or extremely painful, especially when pressure is applied. Corns can interfere with walking and daily activities, if left untreated. A podiatrist can safely remove corns, address the underlying cause, and recommend strategies to prevent recurrence. Treatment may include padding, custom orthotics, footwear adjustments, and guidance on proper foot care. Corns can cause extreme pain. If you have developed a foot corn, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Gregory Rorick, DPM of Rorick Podiatry, PC. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in New York Mills, Utica, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition where the tibial nerve, located near the ankle, becomes compressed as it passes through the tarsal tunnel, a narrow space inside the ankle. This can cause pain, tingling, and numbness in the foot and ankle, often radiating into the toes. Symptoms may worsen with prolonged standing, walking, or physical activity. A podiatrist diagnoses tarsal tunnel syndrome through a physical examination, reviewing the patient’s symptoms, and conducting tests, such as nerve conduction studies or imaging, to identify nerve compression. Treatment usually begins with conservative methods like rest and targeted stretching exercises to alleviate pressure on the tibial nerve. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce inflammation and in severe cases surgery may be needed to release the compressed nerve. If you have symptoms as described, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer relief that will restore function to the affected foot.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Gregory Rorick, DPM of Rorick Podiatry, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in New York Mills, Utica, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.