Heel fissures, commonly called cracked heels, are splits in the skin on the heel. They occur when the skin becomes dry and thickened, often due to pressure from standing, walking, or wearing open-back shoes. These fissures can look like deep, dry cracks that may be surrounded by flaky, rough skin. In severe cases, the cracks can bleed or become painful and infected. The main cause is dryness, but contributing factors include obesity, diabetes, or eczema. Prevention focuses on keeping the skin hydrated by applying foot creams, avoiding walking barefoot, and wearing well-fitted shoes that protect the heel. Relief for mild cases involves moisturizing and gently removing thick skin with a pumice stone. For severe or painful fissures, it is suggested that you see a chiropodist who can provide specialized care to promote healing and prevent complications.

Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, can cause pain and discomfort. If your cracked heels are bothering you, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Dry, thickened skin around the rim of the heel is typically the first sign of cracked heels. While this condition is common and usually just a nuisance, some cases can be more severe. If left untreated and as more pressure is placed on the heel, the cracks become deeper and eventually walking and standing can be painful. These deep cracks or fissures can bleed and also become infected. Those with diabetes need to be especially careful as fissures could lead to diabetic foot ulcers. 

Causes

Cracked heels can be the result of several different factors, including: 

• Dry skin
• Taking long, hot showers or using harsh soaps
• Standing for long periods of time
• Walking barefoot
• Walking in shoes with an open back, such as sandals or flip flops
• Wearing shoes that do not fit properly
• Living in a cold or dry climate
• Certain skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis

Treatment

There are many at-home treatment remedies for cracked heels. Applying moisturizers to the heel can help hydrate the skin. Soaking your feet in warm water and exfoliating them with a loofah or pumice stone can help to buff away dead skin cells. If you are afflicted with cracked heels, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for treatment. 

Prevention

You can prevent cracked heels by:

• Avoiding standing in one position for prolonged periods of time
• Wearing well-fitted shoes with a closed back
• Washing your feet with gentle soaps and lukewarm water
• Moisturizing the feet daily

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

Sever's disease causes heel pain in active children, typically during growth spurts between nine and fourteen. Sever’s disease arises when the growth plate in the heel, a softer area of developing bone, becomes irritated due to repetitive stress or tightness in surrounding tendons and muscles. Signs of Sever's disease include heel pain or tenderness, swelling, redness, stiffness in the foot upon waking, limping, or walking on tiptoes. Symptoms often worsen during or after physical activities like running or jumping, but improve with rest. Active children involved in sports are at higher risk. A chiropodist can evaluate your child's symptoms and recommend activity modification, supportive footwear, or orthotic inserts to reduce heel stress. They can also suggest exercises to relieve tight muscles and prevent recurrence. If your active child complains of heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist to find out if Sever's disease is the cause.

Sever’s disease typically affects young children and teenagers. If your child complains of foot pain, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is Sever’s Disease? 

Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone. It is typically caused by overuse due to repetitive activities such as running, jumping, and playing certain sports. This condition most frequently affects children between the ages of 8 and 14. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of Sever’s disease include: 

• Pain in the back or bottom of the heel
• Pain when the sides of the heel are squeezed
• Limping or walking on tiptoes to avoid putting pressure on the heel
• Difficulty running, jumping, or participating in usual activities
• Fatigue 

Diagnosis

Sever’s disease is diagnosed by taking a thorough medical history and performing a physical examination. Imaging studies, such as an X-ray, can help rule out other injuries like a fracture. 

Treatment

Sever’s disease typically heals without any long-term complications. Treatment involves resting the affected foot by reducing typical activities, wearing orthotics to support the foot, immobilizing the affected foot, taking medications to reduce pain and inflammation, and stretching the foot. 

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

The development of children's feet is a gradual process that begins at birth and continues throughout their early years. At birth, babies have flat feet, with arches forming as they grow and begin to walk. By age 3, most children will have developed more defined arches, and by age 6 or 7, their feet should resemble those of an adult in structure. Encouraging healthy foot development involves promoting physical activities that strengthen the feet, such as walking, running, and climbing. These activities help build muscle and improve coordination. Good foot hygiene is also essential, as regularly cleaning and drying the feet can prevent infections. Additionally, properly fitting footwear that provides adequate support can prevent issues like flat feet or other deformities. If your child's feet hurt, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can offer treatment solutions, and educate you on additional knowledge about your child’s foot growth.

If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Common Causes of Foot Pain in Children

While children can experience many of the same foot problems as adults do, some foot problems may be more common during childhood. 

Causes of foot pain in children can include:

• Deformities that are present from birth, such as flat feet or clubfoot
• Sever’s disease, which is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone
• Various sports injuries, such as sprains and fractures
• Ingrown toenails
• Athlete’s foot
• Plantar warts

Prevention

It is important to look after the health of children’s feet in order to prevent future problems from arising. Keep your child’s feet clean and dry, trim their toenails regularly, ensure their shoes fit properly, and keep a watchful eye on any symptoms of foot pain, such as limping. If you notice any symptoms or if your child complains of foot pain, a chiropodist can help. 

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