December 2024

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.

Severe athlete's foot is a fungal infection that can lead to significant discomfort and complications. Common symptoms include intense itching, burning sensations, and peeling skin, particularly between the toes. In severe cases of athlete's foot, blisters may form, causing pain and inflammation. Risk factors include wearing tight, damp shoes, which create an ideal environment for fungal growth, as well as frequent communal areas such as swimming pools and locker rooms. There are different types of severe athlete's foot, including plantar athlete's foot, which affects the soles and can lead to thickened skin and scaling. Vesicular athlete's foot is characterized by the formation of fluid-filled blisters, often causing severe itching. If you have developed athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you contact a chiropodist who can determine which type it is, and offer appropriate treatment methods.

Athlete’s foot can be uncomfortable and unsightly. To learn more about preventing and treating this condition, 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 Athlete’s Foot? 

Athlete’s foot refers to an infection of the skin on the feet that is caused by a fungus. This fungus is contagious and thrives in warm and moist environments. It is often spread in common areas such as public pools, locker rooms, and showers. It can also spread when sharing personal items, like shoes or towels, with an infected person. 

Symptoms

The symptoms of athlete’s foot may include: 

• Itching, stinging, or burning of the skin on the feet

• Cracking or peeling skin, especially between the toes and on the soles of the feet

• Scaly, red rash on the foot

• Blisters 

• Foul odor

Treatment

Treatment for athlete’s foot typically involves using over-the-counter topical antifungal medications on the feet. When over-the-counter options are ineffective, you may need to take prescription oral medications or topical antifungal drugs, or a combination of both. 

Prevention

Preventing athlete’s foot places an emphasis on good foot hygiene practices. 

You can prevent athlete’s foot by:

• Washing and drying your feet thoroughly every day

• Wearing shoes when walking in public areas

• Not sharing personal items, like shoes or socks, with others

• Wearing shoes and socks made out of breathable materials

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 pain in the elderly can stem from various underlying health issues, significantly impacting mobility and quality of life. One contributing factor is kidney disease, which can lead to fluid retention and swelling in the feet, causing discomfort. Neurological disorders may also play a role, as conditions such as neuropathy can result in altered sensations and pain due to nerve damage. Additionally, thyroid disorders can affect metabolism and circulation, leading to symptoms that manifest in the feet. A lack of vitamin D, essential for bone health, can also result in weakness and discomfort, particularly in the lower extremities. If you have any type of foot pain, it is suggested that you contact a chiropodist who can determine what the cause is, and offer effective treatment options.

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.