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What to Do about Dry and Cracked Heels

Dry and cracked heels are actually a bigger deal than they first sound. That’s because they can fully break and begin bleeding with much less stress than softer, moist heels.

And those open wounds, which you may not even notice at first, can get infected. So your heels really are something to pay attention to if you notice yours have dry and cracked skin.

How Do You Get Dry Heels?

Believe it or not, they happen as a result of years of mistreating your feet. We’re not talking just a few weeks or months, but years.

There’s actually too many causes of dry heels to discuss in this post. But some of the leading ones are:

  1. A deficiency of vitamins and minerals in your diet (especially zinc)
  2. Spending much of your day at home or work standing
  3. Disorders such as diabetes, athlete’s foot, psoriasis, thyroid disease, and many other skin diseases
  4. Being overweight because it places additional stress on your heel
  5. Frequently wearing footwear that exposes your feet because and allows your heel skin to expand, which increases the possibility of cracks
  6. Not cleaning your feet often enough
  7. Taking long, hot showers because hot water dries out your skin
  8. Genetics. You may have a predisposition towards dry, cracked heels, which starts as a child. This can also onset later in your life as an adult.

Can You Get Your Heals Moist and Healthy Again?

If you have dry, cracked heels, you absolutely don’t have to worry about having them, and the bleeding they can cause, forever.

It’s also relatively simple to keep your heels in good shape. Moisturize your feet daily after showering and before putting on your shoes and socks. You may even do this before bed, while also putting on socks to help keep the moisture in your skin.

During the day, let your feet breathe. You can do this by wearing cotton socks, rather than synthetic materials or wool.

You can also gently exfoliate your skin with a pumice stone. Remember to be extra gentle, as being too rough can actually exacerbate the potential damage your dry, cracked heels experience.

With this simple care routine, you’ll keep your heels moist and healthy so you don’t run the risk of bleeding and infection.

And you’ll be able to fully enjoy life and time with your family!

EpiFix: A 90% Healing Rate for People with Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Diabetic foot ulcers can totally derail your life. Many people with these present end up hospitalized, and these ulcers are also the leading cause of non-traumatic lower foot amputations.

That’s where Epifix comes in. It helps you get a 90% healing rate in your diabetic foot ulcer in just 6 weeks.

What is EpiFix?

Epifix is an “allograft,” which is a tissue graft from another human. This tissue is made of dHACM (dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane). It contains and preserves a number of essential proteins that make the healing process work.

Put simply, EpiFix acts as a barrier that protects your skin. It also helps scar tissue form and assists in controlling inflammation.

What makes EpiFix special and sets it apart from other similar diabetic foot ulcer products is the PURION purification process MiMedx uses. This process purifies the EpiFix grafts so they don’t cause any harm, while also delivering you the healing you need.

Part of what improves the healing ability of EpiFix is the derived platelet growth factor A and B present. “Growth factor A and B” simply refers to the ability of platelets to grow connective tissue, which assists in your healing.

How Does EpiFix Work?

It’s a fairly simple process. Basically, your existing diabetic foot ulcers must be confirmed to be free of infection. Using aseptic techniques to ensure EpiFix remains free of infection, the medical professional uses forceps to remove EpiFix from the sterilized internal pouch.

The medical professional then measures the area to be covered by EpiFix and cuts it to size, which can be up to 1 mm larger than your wound’s margins.

Then, EpiFix gets applied to your foot ulcer. EpiFix may be applied weekly or bi-weekly, depending on the status of your ulcer.

Is EpiFix Safe?

Yes. It’s regulated by Section 361 of the Public Health Service Act, and the American Association of Tissue Banks enforces, which oversees the product’s standards.

Basically, EpiFix is a pain-free way to get your diabetic foot ulcers under control.

And when appropriate, we’re happy to recommend it to you.

The Differences Between Full and Broad Spectrum CBD Tinctures

You’ve probably heard by now that we carry CBD-based products to help you relieve your foot and ankle pain without any side-effects.

And you probably know that CBD oils contain less than 0.3% THC, which means they’re fully legal in Texas.

But you may not know about the two main forms of CBD available. And those are:

  • Full Spectrum CBD (whole plant)
  • Broad Spectrum (CBD isolates)

What are the differences between the two? And why should you even care?

Well, here’s a quick overview:

1. Full Spectrum

Full Spectrum is comprised of the whole plant, including several different phytocannabinoids (CBG, CBC, CBN etc) as well as omega-3 fatty acids, terpenes, vitamins, and amino acids. They also include the trace amounts of THC.

When CBD, other cannabinoids, and terpenes are present together, they produce what is known as an “entourage effect.”

2. Broad Spectrum

Broad Spectrum or CBD isolate is almost purely CBD with trace amount of phytocannabinoids and zero THC.

The main difference between full and Broad Spectrum CBD is zero THC, which means you have absolutely no risk whatsoever of testing positive on a drug test.

To make Broad Spectrum CBD products, manufacturers run their products through additional processing.

The goal is to preserve as much of the cannabinoids, CBD and eliminate all other phytocannabinoids and THC.

When Should I Take Full or Broad Spectrum CBD?

Here’s a few scenarios, and when it makes sense to choose either Full or Broad Spectrum product:

Full Spectrum:

  • Best if you were recommended a precise CBD:THC ratio
  • Also good if you have a more severe condition or one Broad Spectrum CBD doesn’t help

Broad Spectrum:

  • Best if you’re highly sensitive to THC
  • Also good if you’re hesitant about having THC in your body
  • And good in Texas in general because of our stricter THC laws

So, now you understand the difference between the two and why you’d choose one over the other.

And we’ll happily help you make the best decision for your own needs if you choose to use CBD based products in your arsenal against ankle and foot pain.

What You Can Learn About Foot & Ankle Care From Kevin Durant

If you didn’t hear about Kevin Durant’s serious achilles injury, which will sideline him for the entire 2019 – 2020 NBA season, it was quite a big deal during the NBA Finals.

After missing much of the playoffs recovering from a calf injury, the Warriors made the judgment call to have Durant return in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.

Already down 3 games to 1 in a best-of-7 series, and facing elimination, the Warriors felt they needed Durant back because of his incredible scoring and crunch-time ability.

However, after playing just 12 minutes, Durant crumbled to the floor. It turned out he has a serious achilles injury, and for many players that has led to the descent of their career.

All sorts of controversy has broken out about the Warriors making a terrible decision, having knowledge that they likely were rushing Durant back.

We don’t know the truth without examining Durant in person and knowing his situation. So we’re not here to give our opinion on exactly what should have been done.

But, you can still learn a couple things from Durant’s situation:

1. Always Err on the Side of Rest After an Extended Break from Intense Activity

Was Durant’s return too soon, which led to his achilles injury? Who knows? After all, it was a calf injury that had sidelined him up until his return.

If you are a highly active type, then suffer a foot and ankle injury, and want to get back to that intense activity ASAP, make sure you take your time.

Slowly work your way up to your old intensity.

You may have external factors that you feel put pressure on you. For example, you’re getting workers’ compensation, which doesn’t cover all of your income.

If you do return too soon, your risk of injury, and being out of commission even longer, skyrockets.

So always give yourself plenty of rest.

2. Let Go of Your Mental Itch to Return and Listen to Your Body and Podiatrist

In our busy Western culture, you’re going to feel the itch to return as soon as you can. That’s just what the human mind says.

There’s no doubt Durant wanted to return and be the hero of the Finals. Because, that’s his livelihood. That’s who he is. He’s the superstar. The winner. It’s not like he was forced to return against his own will.

Your mind will feel the same way. You’ve got to get back as soon as possible. Or, something bad is going to happen. You’ll lose ground at work.

Let that thinking go. Instead, face the facts. How does your foot, ankle, or lower leg feel? What’s your podiatrist telling you about returning to activity?

That’s the stuff to pay attention to and which will keep you healthy and feeling good over the long run.

Being injured is tough in a go-go-go society. But, caring for your body and giving it the rest it needs when hurt is the fastest way to get back to normal.

Putting pressure on your body by getting it back in use can backfire and cause an even worse injury. And it’ll lead to more medical bills and time off.

So, do yourself a favor. Learn from Kevin Durant’s situation. Listen to your body and do the healthy thing for it if something goes wrong.

Foot Roller Eases Heel Pain Resulting from Routine Activity

The creaks and groans of your body slowly get worse over the years, don’t they? Sometimes, just getting out of bed can be a painful experience.

All that use on your body results in stiffness, soreness, and pain in new places. When you have discomfort along the bottom of your foot and in your heel that results from routine activity, that’s where a foot roller comes in.

What Is a Foot Roller?

You store it in your freezer or fridge because the rubber also holds in the cold, which offers additional pain relief when you use it.

Then, to relieve your heel pain, you simply put the foot roller under your feet and roll away (it comes with a guide showing you precise techniques). It comes with ridges that deliver a gentle massage. And the chilled latex soothes and relieves pain and inflammation as you roll.

It’s a simple, effective, and easily affordable product that helps you reduce pain and discomfort caused by plantar fasciitis (pain in your heel and arch), metatarsalgia (pain and inflammation in the ball of your foot), and tendonitis.

What Else Should I Know about a Foot Roller?

It’s completely safe. As you know, some treatments for foot and heel pain (like surgery) can be quite painful for some time.

A foot roller can’t help you with severe foot pain. But it is effective at relieving mild pain.

It also conforms to the shape of your foot. So you won’t have problems like trying to find the right size and making multiple trips to your podiatrist to get the right one. And you don’t need a prescription.

Plus, it’s so affordable that you won’t even need insurance to get it. So, you don’t have to deal with the hassles insurers routinely cause either.

It’s small enough in size that you can easily drop it in your gym or travel bag and take it with you wherever you go. And it easily fits in your freezer at home too. You can even put it in your desk drawer to use for quick pain relief during the day.

Because of the foot roller’s effectiveness, simplicity, and affordability, we’re happy to recommend it when it makes sense for relieving your foot or heel pain.

4 Tips to Prevent Foot and Ankle Injuries from Youth Sports

4 Tips to Prevent Foot and Ankle Injuries from Youth Sports - North Texas Foot & Ankle

Did you have all the same choices to play various sports when you were a kid?

Children these days have incredible opportunity to play whatever sport they want. And that’s a good thing.

But with every good thing comes at least some risk.

And especially so with intense sports that require lots of running and most are considered contact sports, like soccer.

Around one-third of youth sports injuries require serious medical attention. It’s impossible to eliminate all risk of foot and ankle injuries.

However, you certainly can help your child minimize their risk. Here’s how:

1. Emphasize Rest and Balance

If you happen to have a child who excels at their sport, do encourage them to work hard. But, make it okay for them to rest too.

It can be easy to get caught up in the frenzy of success if your child dominates their sport.

But, push them too hard, or let them push themselves too hard, and they can end up sidelined with overuse injuries, stress fractures, and shin splints.

Wearing preventative gear such as a low profile ankle brace and custom molded inserts designed for their particular sport can help. Also proper stretching and warm up drills are another consideration and very manageable. A cool down period is also recommended along with hydration, nutrition, and proper diet.

2. Scout the Field For Injury-Causing Issues

Gophers are your child’s worst enemy. The soft soil they create can cause an awkward step or two…and a painful foot or ankle injury.

The same for divots and loose soil.

So, prior to the game, take a look around the field and fix any issues you notice with loose soil.

3. Scout Your Coach

It’s the coaches’ job to get to know the players and their strengths and weaknesses so they know where to play them.

But, who scouts the coach?

You do.

Make sure they follow a systematic training program that includes a focus on injury prevention.

Stress fractures and injuries are a known problem for younger athletes, so coaches should be aware of them and have a plan to minimize the chance they happen.

4. Watch Your Child for Signs of an Injury

What child wants to admit they have an injury and go over to the sideline?

Children always want to minimize their injury and its effects. So, they’ll say nothing and try to tough it out (usually).

So, watch your child for signs of them favoring one of their feet. Make them rest at home. See an ankle and foot specialist for recommendations tailored to their sport(s). You don’t need to have lower extremity pain or an injury to see a doctor. Education and recommendations from a licensed physician is valuable and an underutilized resource.

And remember the acronym RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) to help them get back to action as fast as possible.

Youth sports should be a fun time for you and your child. By incorporating these tips as their season progresses, you minimize their chances of a foot or ankle injury.

And you keep their summer sports season fun and healthy.

Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery Nearly Eliminates Pain and Recovery Time

Have you heard or read other people’s stories about bunion surgery? For many decades, it’s been described as extremely painful, while typically requiring at least a couple months before full recovery.

Some patients would also experience a loss of mobility in their big toe joint. In fact, the recovery was so hard it made some podiatrists reluctant to even recommend surgery.

But now, minimally invasive bunion surgery techniques have advanced to the point where you experience almost no pain and can literally be walking again in just days.

What Is “Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery?”

It actually refers to a variety of techniques. In the past, bunion surgery involved techniques that cut your big toe joint deeply or removed it entirely. As you might guess, that led to intense pain and long recovery times.

With minimally invasive bunion surgery, however, you get tiny incisions about ⅛” to ½” inch in size. Traditional bunion surgery made incisions 2” – 6”.

Your surgeon then accesses the bone through these much smaller incisions. Put simply, podiatrists minimally invasive techniques modify how your bunion is cut. A podiatrist may also simply shave small parts of the bone off. Advancements have also been made in the application of local anesthetic.

These changes also result in less scarring and stiffness around your big toe, in addition to the almost non-existent pain and recovery time.

Are You a Good Candidate for Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery?

Most bunions can be treated with these new minimally invasive surgical techniques. Moderate bunions and patients who typically maintain a healthy and active lifestyle are the ideal candidates for this surgery.

However, in the hands of our skilled and experienced podiatrists, nearly every bunion can be corrected with minimally invasive techniques. Less experienced podiatrists, however, may not be able to use minimally invasive surgery for more extreme cases. Performing this type of surgery requires a steep learning curve not all podiatrists can handle.

Overall, minimally invasive bunion surgery makes good sense for most patients because it nearly eliminates pain and recovery time.

Why Diabetic Foot Exams Are Always a Smart Move

Do you experience pain, numbness, burning, or tingling in feet that gets worse during the night or when your feet are in an unsupported position?

If so, you’re likely experiencing neuropathy.

It’s an early sign of diabetes.

And if you leave it unchecked and simply try to endure and persevere through the symptoms, it can lead to intense symptoms, such as:

  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Kidney problems
  • Blurry vision
  • Foot bone fractures
  • Amputation of extremities
  • Death

We’re not trying to scare you. But even if you don’t experience some of the more extreme issues, the longer you wait, the more your health suffers and the more time and money it takes to keep your health in check.

So, for your own physical and emotional wellness, it simply makes sense to get a diabetic foot exam if you experience what you believe are the beginning symptoms of diabetes.

Researchers believe Type 1 Diabetes is caused by a mix of genes and environmental factors (like viruses). There may not be much you can do to prevent it. Fortunately, it isn’t common.

Type 2 Diabetes, however, frequently results from lifestyle choices. Genetics play a role too. But, simply being overweight (and especially obese) and physically inactive are two of the largest factors in causing the much more common Type 2 Diabetes.

4 Types of Exams

Fortunately, while it can be difficult to diagnose some medical conditions, it’s easy for doctors to diagnose diabetes with pinpoint precision.

Any of these four kinds of exams may be used:

  1. Vascular, which checks the two major arteries in your foot
  2. Neurological, which checks your ability to sense vibration
  3. Dermatological, which checks for scaling, swelling, or fissuring in your skin
  4. Musculoskeletal, which uses X-rays to check for deformities

Basically, if genetics or your lifestyle put you at risk for diabetes, you should come in at least annually for an exam. Many people aren’t aware of or ignore or minimize the problems they experience, which leads to them identifying their diabetes later on.

As a result, they end up suffering in pain unnecessarily. Sometimes for the rest of their lives.

If you’re at risk for diabetes, consider coming in more frequently than just once per year for an exam.

Insurance covers these exams. The exams have an easily affordable cost. And they can save you so much pain and suffering and inconvenience to the lifestyle you enjoy.

So it makes sense to do something simple and take care of yourself with regular diabetic foot exams.

What to Do About High Foot Arches

Have high foot arches?

Actually, you probably wouldn’t know if you did. Somewhere around 8-15% of Americans walk around with high foot arches, but most don’t realize it.

What they do experience is pain under the balls of their feet, on the side of their feet, and ankle instability. They also sprain their ankles frequently. And in the more severe cases, they get stress fractures.

So, having high arches can result in a fair amount of pain.

At the same time, dancers and models can have high arches which make them look quite good in their professions. While useful in those respects, high arches are quite impractical for daily living.

Interestingly, you aren’t necessarily born with high arches (although that’s the most frequent cause). You can develop high arches at any age.

If You Have High Arches Which Cause Pain And Discomfort, What Do You Do?

Let’s say you’re not fortunate enough to be a dancer or model. Those high arches end up being quite a nuisance to you.

What can you do to deal with the pain and inconvenience they cause? Well, quite a bit actually.

But first, you should have a podiatrist confirm you have high arches. If you suspect you have high arches, wet your bare foot and step on a piece of paper. If you have a narrow pattern between the heel and ball of your foot, it’s possible you have high arches.

A podiatrist can confirm whether you have high arches or something else going on. It can take a fair amount of testing and analysis to confirm that’s what you actually have. Podiatrists will look at your gait, calluses, balance, and strength.

In most cases, which are mild to moderate, you can get away with custom orthotics. While they may cost a little bit, they prevent a ton of pain, discomfort, and possibly injury.

Braces may also be used to improve your stability.

Surgery is Only Required in Extreme Cases

Most cases aren’t severe. But sometimes your arch is so high that surgery becomes the only option.

It may take several surgeries before your foot’s arch is fully repaired. It can take six weeks or more to recover from surgery. And it might take 6 months to a year to fully repair your foot.

But, at least you have a solution if you have high arches. And more than likely, it won’t require surgery.

3 Foot & Ankle Exercises for Stability and Pain Relief as You Age

Your body doesn’t work like it used to, does it?

When you get older, some say you should call those the “golden years.” Others say you should call those the “rusty years.”

As your body ages and wears, you can take actions to keep it in decent working order so you avoid injuries and unnecessary pain.

Here’s some quick exercises you can do to keep your feet and ankles strong and flexible so your body has the support it needs, and so pain and discomfort stay to a minimum:

1. Ankle Circles

First, sit in a chair and start with your feet flat on the floor. Extend your right knee to a comfortable distance so you can draw a circle in the air with your foot 20 times.

Do the same with your other foot. And then once you get back to your first foot again, do the circle in the opposite direction.

You’ll probably hear some cracking in your joints. That’s normal. If you experience pain or stiffness, do the circles the best you can.

2. Toe Raise, Point, and Curl

Again sit in a chair with your feet flat on the ground. Your lower leg, from your knees to your toes, should be straight vertical. Do not let your lower leg be at an angle relative to the ground.

Raise your heels while still keeping your toes on the floor. Stop when the balls of your feet are the only thing touching the floor. Hold that for 5 seconds.

Lower your heels to the floor to the point where your feet become flat again.

Next, raise your heels like you did before. However, point your toes up so only the tips of your big and second toes touch the floor. Hold this for 5 seconds.

Lower your heels to the floor again.

In the final stage, raise your heels but curl your toes inward so only the tips of all your toes touch the floor. Hold this for 5 seconds.

Do each exercise 10 times.

3. Toe Curls

This works great for overall foot strength. To do it, sit in a chair. Place a towel on the floor in front of you. Make sure the short side points toward you.

Then, simply try to grasp the towel and pull it towards you with one foot. If the towel itself is too light and the exercise is not challenging enough, place an object on the towel to weigh it down.

Do this exercise 5 times with each foot.

These are safe, simple, and effective ways to build up the strength around your feet and ankles.

And that helps you stay stable, while also reducing pain and discomfort.