Heel fissures are deep cracks that develop in dry, thickened skin along the back or bottom of the heel. They often form when the skin loses moisture and elasticity. Standing for long periods, wearing open-backed shoes, and having weight-related pressure on the heel can increase risk. In some cases, underlying conditions such as diabetes or thyroid imbalance may contribute to severe dryness. Management begins with gentle removal of thick, built-up skin using professional debridement. Daily application of urea-based or lactic-acid-based moisturizers helps soften and hydrate the area. Wearing closed-heel, supportive footwear reduces pressure and prevents further splitting. In painful cases, protective dressings may be used to promote skin repair. Consistent at-home care is important to prevent recurrence. Ignoring heel cracks can lead to bleeding or infection. If you have painful or deep heel fissures that are not improving, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Frederick Matthews, DPM from Innovative Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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

Swelling of the feet and ankles, also known as edema, occurs when excess fluid collects in the tissues. This may develop gradually or appear suddenly, causing the feet to look puffy, tight, or shiny. Shoes may feel tighter, and pressing on the skin may leave a temporary indentation. Swelling can be caused by standing or sitting for long periods, of time, injury, and pregnancy. Underlying conditions like circulation problems, heart disease, or kidney issues may also contribute. In addition, swelling may be linked to medications or inflammation in the foot or ankle joints. A podiatrist can help determine whether the swelling is related to a localized foot condition or part of a broader medical concern. Evaluation includes examining circulation, joint health, and skin condition. Treatment options include compression therapy, elevation, footwear recommendations, and targeted exercises to improve circulation. If you have persistent or unexplained swelling of the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate relief and treatment tips.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Frederick Matthews, DPM of Innovative Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Plano, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle pain refers to discomfort in the joint formed by the tibia, fibula, and talus bones, which work together to support movement and balance. Pain can result from injuries to any of these bones, or the ligaments and cartilage between them. Common causes include awkward turning, twisting, or rolling of the ankle, as well as repetitive strain from overuse. This condition is especially common among athletes and active individuals. Risk factors include wearing improper footwear, uneven surfaces, and poor conditioning. Symptoms may include swelling, stiffness, bruising, and difficulty walking. A podiatrist can diagnose the source of pain, provide targeted treatment, and recommend supportive footwear or orthotics. Early care can prevent further injury and restore mobility. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate relief and treatment solutions.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Frederick Matthews, DPM from Innovative Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Plano, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Fungal toenail infections develop when microscopic fungi enter small cracks in the nail or surrounding skin and slowly multiply in the warm, moist environment inside shoes. Several distinct types affect toenails. A distal subungual infection is the most common. It begins at the tip or sides, causing yellow or white streaks and thickening beneath the nail. White superficial infection involves the surface layers, producing chalky patches that make the nail rough and crumbly. Proximal subungual infection starts near the cuticle and spreads outward. It is sometimes linked with weakened immunity or prior injury. Yeast-related infections may inflame the surrounding tissue and loosen the nail from its bed. A podiatrist confirms the diagnosis using nail samples and determines the specific organism before prescribing medical antifungal therapy, nail procedures, or advanced management for damaged nails. If you have a fungal toenail infection, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

For more information about treatment, contact Frederick Matthews, DPM of Innovative Foot and Ankle Care. 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 office located in Plano, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.