Cracked heels develop when dry, thick skin around the heel splits under pressure. The soles of the feet do not have oil glands, which makes the skin more likely to lose moisture and become dry. Standing for long periods can add pressure to the heels. Friction from shoes that do not fit properly can also thicken the skin and contribute to cracking. As cracks deepen, the area can become irritated and painful. Some cracks can become severe enough to make standing or walking uncomfortable.

Several factors can increase the chance of developing cracked heels. Aging can reduce skin elasticity, leaving the heel less flexible and more likely to split. Open-back shoes can allow the heel's natural padding to spread outward, placing added stress on dry skin. Exposure to dry air can also remove moisture from the feet. In some patients, severely dry or cracked heels can be related to conditions like psoriasis, athlete's foot, or diabetes. Soreness, redness, and swelling can signal that the skin needs professional attention.

A podiatrist can examine cracked heels and determine how deep the cracks are and whether another foot condition is contributing to the problem. The evaluation can also identify thick callused skin and areas of excess pressure. Treatment can include professional removal of thick skin to reduce strain around the cracks. A podiatrist can also recommend protective padding or appropriate skin treatments based on the condition of the heel. Advice about properly fitting, supportive shoes can help address pressure and friction that contribute to repeated cracking. Patients with diabetes or circulation problems should take cracked skin seriously because foot wounds can lead to complications. If you have symptoms of cracked heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

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 Centers of Charlotte County . 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 offices located in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A foot stress fracture is a small crack in a bone caused by repeated stress. It is often called a hairline fracture because the crack can be narrow. Stress fractures often affect the long bones of the feet, called metatarsals. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and bruising. Pain often becomes worse during walking or exercise, and may improve with rest. As the injury progresses, discomfort can occur during activities.

Several factors can increase the risk of developing a foot stress fracture. Running, jumping, and repetitive activities place repeated force on bones. Suddenly increasing exercise intensity can give bones too little time to adapt. Wearing poorly supportive footwear may add stress to the feet. Low bone density, nutritional deficiencies, and previous stress fractures can further increase risk. Changes in foot structure may also create uneven pressure while walking.

A podiatrist will examine the foot and ask when the pain started and what activities make it worse. The examination may include checking for tenderness, swelling, and pain over a specific bone. X-rays may be used, although early stress fractures do not always appear on initial images. Additional imaging tests may be recommended when needed. Treatment focuses on protecting the bone and limiting activities that increase pain. A walking boot or other type of support may be recommended while healing occurs. The podiatrist will monitor progress and guide return to normal activity.

Ignoring a foot stress fracture can allow the crack to become larger and harder to heal. Continuing high-impact activity may prolong recovery. Rest and following your podiatrist's recommendations can help protect the injured bone. Seek care if foot pain persists, especially when swelling, tenderness, or bruising develops without a clear injury. If you have developed a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and effectively treat this condition.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Centers of Charlotte County . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot wounds require prompt medical attention because they can become more serious if they do not heal properly. Even a small cut, blister, or sore may develop into a larger problem when bacteria enter the damaged skin or healing is delayed. People with diabetes, poor circulation, or nerve damage face a greater risk of complications, because they may not notice an injury right away. Pressure on the feet from walking and standing can also slow the healing process. Since the feet support the body's weight every day, wounds often need careful monitoring to prevent infection and protect healthy tissue. A professional evaluation is important to determine the severity of the wound and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Early podiatry care may also help reduce the risk of long-term complications and preserve foot health.

Symptoms of a foot wound vary depending on the cause and its severity. Many people notice redness, swelling, or pain around the injured area. Others experience drainage or skin that does not appear to be healing as expected. In some cases, an open sore may become deeper or show signs of infection over time. Delayed healing should never be ignored because it may indicate an underlying medical condition or reduced blood flow to the area. Persistent wounds can interfere with walking, limit daily activities, and increase the risk of more serious foot problems. Prompt evaluation allows treatment to begin before the wound becomes more difficult to manage.

A podiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating wounds that affect the feet and ankles. During an examination, the podiatrist evaluates the wound, checks circulation, and looks for signs of infection or tissue damage. Treatment focuses on promoting healthy healing, protecting the affected area, and addressing conditions that may slow recovery. Ongoing monitoring also helps identify changes early and supports better long-term foot health. If you are experiencing a foot wound, delayed healing, or signs of infection, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Centers of Charlotte County . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Fall prevention is important because a sudden slip or trip can cause more than a bruise. Falls may lead to foot and ankle injuries, including sprains and tendon strains. Pain, swelling, and difficulty walking are common symptoms after an injury. Keeping walking areas clear and well lit can make a meaningful difference.

Foot problems after a fall can range from soreness to injuries requiring medical attention. A twisted ankle can stretch ligaments, while a hard landing may fracture a bone. Workers may be vulnerable when floors are wet or cluttered. Employers should provide safe, clean environments for workers and address hazards promptly. Guard rails and sturdy railing should be available near stairs, ramps, and other areas where extra support is needed.

Preventing falls starts with practical safety habits. Wear properly-fitted shoes with supportive soles and avoid slippery surfaces whenever possible. Keep walkways free from cords, boxes, and other obstacles. Use guard rails when climbing stairs and hold the railing for added stability. Workers should follow workplace safety procedures and report unsafe conditions. Regular foot care can also help people recognize pain or weakness that could affect balance. A careful approach can help prevent avoidable falls and protect healthy movement at home or work. Planning ahead can also help reduce stress and prevent rushed movements every day.

If you fall and injure your foot or ankle, a podiatrist can evaluate the injury and determine appropriate treatment. The examination may include checking swelling, tenderness, and the ability to bear weight. X-rays may be recommended when a fracture is suspected. Treatment can include immobilization or supportive footwear based on the injury. Follow-up visits help monitor healing. If you have incurred a foot or ankle injury from falling, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Centers of Charlotte County . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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