Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, occur when the skin on the heels becomes dry, thickened, and eventually splits. This condition often results from a lack of moisture and pressure on the fat pad under the heel, causing the skin to expand and crack. Symptoms of cracked heels include dry, rough skin, visible splits or fissures, pain while walking, and, in severe cases, bleeding or infection. Risk factors for developing cracked heels include prolonged standing, walking barefoot, wearing open-backed shoes, obesity, and certain skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Additionally, environmental factors such as cold weather and low humidity can also contribute to this condition. If you have developed painful cracked heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief remedies, which may include prescribed medication.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Medical Center . Our doctors 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 Nampa, ID Fruitlland, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cycling shoes play a vital role in enhancing performance, comfort, and efficiency during rides. Different types are designed for road cycling, mountain biking, and indoor training. Road cycling shoes are typically lightweight with stiff soles for maximum power transfer, while mountain biking shoes offer more traction and flexibility for biking on rough terrain. Shoes made for indoor cycling, often called spinning shoes, are tailored for use on stationary bikes or in cycling studios, featuring a relaxed, sneaker-like design with a breathable build, comfortable fit, and typically a two-bolt cleat system for secure pedal connection. Achieving the right fit is essential, as shoes that are too tight or loose can lead to discomfort or injury. A proper fit includes secure heel support, a snug midfoot, and enough room in the toe box. If you are interested in cycling, it is important to have shoes that fit right. A podiatrist can treat all foot and ankle problems that may arise and guide you better toward choosing the right shoe size and style for a rewarding cycling experience.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Medical Center . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

When an ingrown toenail becomes painful, infected, or keeps coming back, a podiatrist may recommend surgery to fix the problem. One common procedure is a partial nail removal, where the podiatrist carefully removes the edge of the nail that is growing into the skin. To help prevent the nail from growing back in the same way, a chemical may be applied to the base of the nail to stop regrowth in that area. This often leads to long-term relief. In more severe cases, especially when the problem keeps returning or involves swelling at the base of the nail, the entire toenail may need to be removed. This procedure may be necessary when a new toenail begins to grow underneath an old one, instead of pushing it forward like it normally should. If you have an extremely stubborn or painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Medical Center . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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