
- Seek immediate medical attention (head to your local ER)
- You may need a tetanus shot if it’s been more than 10 years since your last shot
- Schedule an appointment with your podiatrist within 24 hours of the injury
- Your podiatrist will provide you with a variety of care instructions to keep it clean and disinfected (make sure to follow all of these instructions)
- Fever
- New or worsening pain
- Swelling
- Redness
- Drainage
- Skin that’s warm to the touch
Custom-made orthotics from your podiatrist in Norfolk, and Suffolk, VA, can help your feet
Do your feet hurt? Did you know that custom-made orthotics can help you and your feet feel better? The truth is, orthotics can cushion your feet, help you walk without discomfort, and treat many foot and ankle issues. Let’s face it when your feet hurt, the rest of you probably hurts too!
Dr. Jesse Anderson of AAL Podiatry Associates offers a wide range of foot care services, including orthotics. He has two convenient office locations in Norfolk, and Suffolk, VA, to help you and your feet feel better.
Custom-made orthotics from your podiatrist are different from orthotics you can buy over-the-counter; they are made uniquely for your feet, to treat issues involving your feet and help relieve your foot pain.
If you are having foot problems related to tendon or joint strain, you can benefit from rigid orthotics, made of hard plastic components. Rigid orthotics provide excellent support for your feet and can relieve strain on your legs and lower back too.
If you play sports or enjoy walking or jogging, your feet can take a beating, experiencing a lot of foot stress. Semi-rigid orthotics are a great choice for you. They provide support and cushioning because they use a combination of soft and hard materials.
If you are having foot pain due to diabetes, your podiatrist may recommend soft orthotics, made entirely of soft, cushioned materials. Soft orthotics can also help relieve foot pain associated with arthritis or bone deformities, and they can also help with balance issues.
You need to care for your feet, so your feet can take care of you, and orthotics can help. To find out more about the benefits and types of orthotics, talk with an expert by calling Dr. Jesse Anderson of AAL Podiatry Associates. You can reach him in Norfolk, VA, at (757) 625-2962, or in Suffolk, VA, at (757) 539-2098, so call now!

- Wash feet at least once a day with soap and warm water. Make sure that you dry your feet thoroughly after.
- Make sure to dry feet as soon as possible after dealing with sweaty or perspiring feet.
- Choose socks made from materials that wick away sweat and improve ventilation.
- Apply deodorizing sprays or powders in shoes every day after wear, and make sure to wait 24 hours before wearing the same shoes again.

Certain shoes can leave you prone to cracked heels and dry skin due to friction from wearing loose-fitted shoes. People who wear sandals and other open-heeled shoes are more at risk for developing cracked heels. Instead, opt for closed-heeled shoes that fit properly and provide support.
If you are overweight, you may be surprised to discover that this could be contributing to your dry, cracked heels. This is because your feet take on all of your weight while standing, walking, and running. By safely dropping that excess weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise you can alleviate some of the pressure placed on your heels to reduce the risk of cracking.
While we know just how luxurious it feels to stand in a steaming hot shower, especially during the winter months, this could be contributing to dry skin on your feet and cracked heels. If this is something you deal with regularly you may look at your current bathing or showering ritual to see if that could be the culprit. Simply use warm and not hot water, which can strip the skin of the oils it needs to stay moist.
You should moisturize your feet every day to prevent dry skin from happening in the first place. Moisturizers that contain lactic acid, glycerin, or petroleum jelly can help to lock in moisture in your feet. Moisturize every time you get out of the shower and throughout the day, especially before going to bed. If you are prone to very dry, cracked feet, you may wish to moisturize and then wear socks to bed.

- Pain that occurs immediately after an injury or accident
- Pain that is directly above a bone
- Pain that is worse with movement
- Bruising and severe swelling
- A cracking sound at the moment of injury
- A visible deformity or bump
- Can’t put weight on the injured foot
The symptoms of a sprain are far less severe. You can often put weight on the injured foot with a sprain; however, you may notice some slight pain and stiffness. You may also have heard a popping sound at the moment of the injury with a sprain, while a broken bone often produces a cracking sound. The pain associated with a sprain will also be above soft tissue rather than bone. A podiatrist will perform an X-ray to be able to determine if you are dealing with a break or a sprain.
Rest is key to allowing an injury, particularly a fracture, to heal properly. Along with rest, your doctor may also recommend either an over-the-counter or prescription-strength pain reliever, depending on the severity of your fracture. Those with more moderate to severe fractures may require a special boot, brace, or splint. Those with more severe fractures may need to wear a cast and use crutches, so they can avoid putting any weight on the foot.
This website includes materials that are protected by copyright, or other proprietary rights. Transmission or reproduction of protected items beyond that allowed by fair use, as defined in the copyright laws, requires the written permission of the copyright owners.