April 2022

While cracked heels may be considered by most to be an unsightly and mildly uncomfortable nuisance, they can develop into a more troublesome and serious condition in certain cases. Cracked heels can often improve with home treatment—such as by sloughing off dead skin in the shower with a pumice stone or by applying foot cream at night and covering the feet with cotton socks. However, the elderly, and people with certain medical issues should not attempt to treat cracked heels at home. Cracked heels that are allowed to deepen may bleed, and become painful or even infected. Severely cracked heels can be particularly problematic in older adults, or people with diabetes, eczema, psoriasis, or thyroid issues, and should be attended to by a podiatrist to help treat them properly and safely, and to avoid the possible development of cellulitis or a foot ulcer.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Deborah Holte, DPM from Northeast Missouri Foot Clinic. Our doctor 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 Kirksville, MO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many people take up running to get in shape or lose weight. Running is an easy form of exercise to do, because the only real equipment you need is a good pair of running shoes. Choosing the proper footwear is essential, making sure that you consider size, fit, cushioning, and support. A podiatrist can offer advice on the correct footwear to get you started. It is also a good idea to walk before you run, easing into it with 10- to 30-minute walks before including running. Experts suggest running twice a week at first and increasing time, distance and speed incrementally. To help avoid injury, warming up before you start increases blood flow to the muscles and helps prevent cramps and strains. Afterward, be sure to stretch and cool down. If you have any specific foot or ankle problems or previous injuries, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for guidance on how to run safely.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Deborah Holte, DPM of Northeast Missouri Foot Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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

Heel pain can develop for a variety of reasons that can include plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, Sever’s disease, or an Achilles tendon injury. Many patients with heel pain can manage it when comfortable shoes are worn that have a low heel. Additionally, it is beneficial to practice specific stretches that can help heel pain. An effective stretch is defined as standing on a step and lowering one heel at a time until a gentle pull is felt. It may feel good to roll the bottom of the foot on a tennis ball, and this may help the entire foot to feel good. It is suggested to refrain from wearing high heels or shoes that are pointy, in addition to refraining from standing for long periods of time. If you have heel pain, it is strongly advised that you contact a podiatrist who can determine what the cause may be and begin the correct treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Deborah Holte, DPM of Northeast Missouri Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Kirksville, MO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Since it's said that 75% of seniors experience foot problems as they age, it stands to reason that foot care is an important part of their overall health care. If seniors maintain the health of their feet, they will be able to stay active longer, keep better balance and prevent falls (a key reason for injury and hospitalization in elderly years), and remain aware of signs that other health issues might be present (such as diabetes, arthritis and other serious conditions). The elderly should check their feet each day to make sure there is nothing visible that appears unusual (like blisters, swelling, or infections), wash and dry feet daily, trim toenails regularly, tend to any corn or callus, moisturize the tops and bottoms of feet if the skin is dry or cracked, wear well-fitting shoes and socks, and make sure socks are clean and do not restrict circulation or irritate the feet in any way. Regular exercise, eating healthy, and stopping smoking may also contribute to foot health. If a senior is unable to tend to their feet by themselves, it is advisable to set up routine visits with a podiatrist to maintain proper foot care and diagnose and treat any problems as they arise.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Deborah Holte, DPM from Northeast Missouri Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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