Cracked heels, or heel fissures, are often seen as a nuisance or a cosmetic issue but can become painful and even infected if left untreated. Dry skin, particularly when the skin surrounding the rim of the heel is thickened or callused, is a primary cause of cracked heels. Factors include prolonged standing on hard floors, biomechanical issues, obesity, and frequently wearing open-back shoes. Women are especially prone to developing cracked heels, reporting the condition at a rate over 50 percent higher than men. Visual symptoms are evident with cracks or fissures in the heel area, potentially leading to discomfort, pain, and bleeding. Infections can occur, signaled by redness, swelling, warmth, and pain upon touch. Medical conditions, including diabetes, psoriasis, and fungal infections, can predispose individuals to dry skin and increase the likelihood of cracked heels. A chiropodist can offer tailored treatment plans, address underlying conditions, and recommend suitable footwear to prevent cracked heels. If you have cracked heels that may be infected or are causing pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for relief.

Dry, cracked heels are more than a cosmetic inconvenience. For many people, they are uncomfortable, deep, painful, and may even bleed. If you suffer from cracked heels, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Causes

• Prolonged standing
• Wearing open-back shoes
• Wearing shoes that don’t cushion the heels
• Living in a cold or dry climate
• Taking long, hot showers
• Not moisturizing the heels
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Palmoplantar keratoderma
• Juvenile plantar dermatosis

Treatments

• Soaking the feet
• Exfoliating with a pumice stone
• Moisturizing the heels
• Wearing closed-back shoes that cushion heels
• Avoiding prolonged standing
• Taking warm, rather than hot, showers
• Treating underlying skin conditions 

While milder cases of cracked heels can be treated at home, some patients present with deep, painful, bleeding heel fissures that are at risk of becoming infected and may require medical care. Additionally, patients with diabetes or any other conditions that affect the immune system should be monitored by a chiropodist. 

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.

Foot blisters are a common occurrence that can cause discomfort and inconvenience, especially for those who are active or wear ill-fitting shoes. These small fluid-filled pockets form on the outer layer of the skin, typically due to friction, pressure, or repetitive rubbing. The friction causes the layers of skin to separate, allowing fluid to accumulate between them as a protective response. Blisters can result from various factors, including wearing new or tight footwear, engaging in prolonged physical activity, or experiencing excessive moisture buildup. Additionally, foot blisters can develop as a result of medical conditions such as eczema, herpes, or allergic reactions. While foot blisters are often minor and heal on their own, they can become painful and susceptible to infection if not properly managed. If you have developed a blister on your foot that has become infected, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can offer you effective treatment and prevention techniques.

Blisters can usually be treated at home, however, if you have recurring blisters or experience significant discomfort or 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 a Blister? 

A blister is a small pocket of fluid in the upper skin layers and is one of the body’s natural responses to injury or pressure. Blisters can also result from burns, fungal or viral skin infections, and the feet are particularly prone due to ill-fitting footwear and friction. Friction on the skin causes the upper layer of skin to separate from the lower layers. The space that this separation creates then becomes filled with a liquid called serum, which protects the lower layers of skin. 

Treatment 

If you notice a blister on your foot, you can cover it with a soft bandage or dressing to protect it. Popping the blister is discouraged. Doing so exposes the raw skin underneath it to bacteria and also raises the risk of infection. If a blister pops naturally, let it drain before covering it with a bandage. Blisters usually heal on their own or with home treatment, however, if your blister is recurring, very painful, or appears infected, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for treatment. 

Prevention

You can help to prevent blisters by wearing comfortable, well-fitted shoes. Keep your feet dry by wearing moisture-wicking socks and dust your feet with talcum powder if they tend to get sweaty. If you have areas on your feet that are more susceptible to blisters, you might be able to prevent the blister from forming by covering it with a pad. 

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.

Foot cramps can strike suddenly, disrupting normal activities and causing discomfort that ranges from mild to debilitating. Several factors contribute to the onset of these involuntary muscle contractions, making it essential to identify and address potential triggers. Dehydration is a common culprit, as inadequate fluid intake can lead to electrolyte imbalances, causing muscles to spasm. Overuse or prolonged periods of standing or walking can also strain the muscles of the feet, increasing the likelihood of cramps. Additionally, poor footwear choices, such as shoes that lack proper support or are too tight, can exacerbate muscle tension and cramping. Muscle fatigue, particularly in individuals who engage in high-impact activities like running or dancing, further predisposes the feet to cramps. Furthermore, underlying medical conditions, such as nerve disorders or vitamin deficiencies, may contribute to muscle cramping. If you are experiencing foot cramps, it is strongly suggested that you visit a chiropodist who can determine the cause and offer effective treatment solutions.

Foot pain can have many causes. To receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment for your 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. 

Causes

There are a variety of different conditions that can cause foot pain, including: 

• Plantar fasciitis
• Deformities, such as bunions or hammertoes
• Injuries to the muscles, bones, tendons, or ligaments in the feet
• Arthritis
• Flat feet
• Ingrown toenails

Symptoms

The type and location of your foot pain can help determine what may be causing it and what type of treatment options are best for you. 

Common types of foot pain include: 

• Heel pain
• Arch pain
• Toe pain
• Ball of foot pain
• Pain that has a stabbing, burning, or tingling quality
• Pain that is constant, intermittent, or that gets better or worse depending on the situation 

Diagnosis

A thorough medical history and physical examination of your feet will be required to determine a diagnosis. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs may be performed to rule out or confirm certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the cause of the pain. Common treatments for foot pain include resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot, wearing orthotics, or taking anti-inflammatory medications. 

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.