Cracked heels occur when the skin on the bottom of the feet becomes excessively dry and thick, leading to painful splits or fissures. Dry skin can be caused by prolonged standing, wearing open-back footwear, cold weather, or lack of moisture. Over time, the dryness may worsen and the skin loses elasticity, eventually leading to deep cracks that can cause discomfort, bleeding, or infection. Symptoms include rough patches, flaking, redness, and pain while walking. A podiatrist can assess the severity, remove thickened skin safely, recommend moisturizing treatments, and address any complications. If you are experiencing discomfort from having cracked heels, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist to restore smooth, healthy skin, and prevent further damage.
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 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
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 Plano, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Foot blisters while hiking are caused by friction, heat, and moisture building up between the skin and footwear. Common symptoms include redness, tenderness, and fluid-filled pockets. Risk factors include wearing ill-fitting shoes, sweaty feet, and long treks without breaks. Prevention involves wearing moisture-wicking socks, properly fitted hiking boots, and using blister pads or foot powders. Keeping feet dry and taking regular rest breaks can also reduce risk. If a blister becomes painful or shows signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or pus, it is important to seek medical attention. A podiatrist can clean and treat the area, prevent complications, and offer guidance for future hikes. If you have developed a foot blister that shows signs of infection, it is suggested that you consult this type of doctor who can safely treat foot blisters, and offer prevention tips.
Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, 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.
Foot Blisters
Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.
What Are Foot Blisters?
A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.
Symptoms
(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)
Bubble of skin filled with fluid
Redness
Moderate to severe pain
Itching
Prevention & Treatment
In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.
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.
Bunions can affect teenagers, not just adults. A bunion is a bump that forms at the base of the big toe when the joint moves out of place. In adolescents, this often happens because of inherited foot structure or tight shoes. The condition may cause pain, swelling, or difficulty wearing certain shoes. Treatment usually begins with simple steps like changing footwear, using pads or cushions, and trying custom shoe inserts to ease pressure on the joint. If the bunion causes ongoing pain or affects walking, surgery may be considered. One option is a minimally invasive surgical technique that realigns the bone near the big toe joint using small incisions. It is often used in adolescents to correct bunions with less tissue disruption and faster recovery than open surgery. This allows for less disruption to the surrounding tissue and a quicker recovery. If your teen has a bunion that is not improving with conservative care, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to explore the best treatment approach.
Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.
Causes
Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development
Symptoms
Redness and inflammation
Pain and tenderness
Callus or corns on the bump
Restricted motion in the big toe
In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.
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.
