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 George Tellam, DPM from Ankle & Foot Associates. 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 Orange Park and Jacksonville Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoe is a deformity that causes one of the smaller toes to bend abnormally at the middle joint, creating a curled or hammer-like appearance. This condition often develops due to a muscle imbalance that places excessive pressure on the toe. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, redness, corns, calluses, and difficulty wearing shoes comfortably. Over time, the joint may become stiff and less flexible. Risk factors include wearing tight or narrow footwear, foot structure abnormalities, arthritis, and previous toe injuries. Early evaluation is important to prevent progression. A podiatrist can provide customized treatment, such as padding and orthotics, as well as offer footwear guidance or corrective procedures as needed. If you have symptoms of a hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact George Tellam, DPM from Ankle & Foot Associates. 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 offices located in Orange Park and Jacksonville Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Chronic ankle instability often develops after repeated ankle sprains that never fully recover. People may notice frequent rolling of the ankle, weakness, swelling, or a feeling that the joint cannot be trusted. To better understand risk and recovery, podiatrists look at both movement and daily function. Simple balance testing can show how well the ankle controls motion during standing and reaching tasks, which reflects real world stability. Self-reported questionnaires help capture how the ankle feels during normal activities such as walking, standing, or climbing stairs. When poor balance is paired with difficulty performing everyday tasks, the likelihood of long-term instability increases. Using both physical testing and patient feedback provides a clearer picture than either approach alone. This combined information helps guide treatment and reduce repeat injury. If ankle weakness or repeated sprains continue, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact George Tellam, DPM from Ankle & Foot Associates. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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

Toenail fungus develops when fungi enter the nail through small cracks, often thriving in warm, moist environments. It may begin subtly, but symptoms can progress to discoloration, thickening, and changes in nail shape. Many people notice yellow or white streaks, brittle texture, or debris under the nail. The affected nail may look dull, misshapen, or crumbly, and while it is sometimes painless, it can also feel tender, uncomfortable, or sensitive to pressure as it thickens. Causes include prolonged moisture exposure, tight footwear, nail injuries, or walking barefoot in shared areas like locker rooms. A podiatrist can help by starting with a thorough examination and testing to confirm the diagnosis, since nail changes can mimic other conditions. Treatment may begin with topical therapies and nail care, and progress to oral medications, or targeted procedures depending on severity and response. If you have toenail fungus, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

For more information about treatment, contact George Tellam, DPM of Ankle & Foot Associates. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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