Cracked heels, a common foot ailment, result from a combination of environmental, lifestyle, and health factors. Insufficient moisture is a primary culprit, as dry skin lacks the flexibility to withstand the pressures of daily activities, leading to heel fissures. Prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces can contribute to the development of cracks, especially when combined with ill-fitting shoes that fail to provide adequate support. Skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis may exacerbate heel dryness, making them more susceptible to cracking. Unhealthy lifestyle habits, including poor nutrition and dehydration, can impact skin health, diminishing its ability to retain moisture. Obesity or excess body weight increases pressure on the heels, further predisposing them to crack. Additionally, age-related factors such as reduced oil production and diminished skin elasticity make older individuals more prone to cracked heels. If you have developed cracked heels, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can provide you with treatment options, 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 Central Ohio Comprehensive Foot Care. 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 one of our offices located in Delaware and Westerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

In the demanding realm of the medical profession, where long hours and dynamic tasks are the norm, prioritizing foot protection is paramount for healthcare practitioners. Nurses, doctors, and other medical personnel are constantly on their feet, navigating diverse terrains within clinical settings. The right footwear becomes not only a matter of comfort but a crucial element of occupational safety. Wearing quality, supportive shoes not only cushions the impact of prolonged standing but also guards against potential hazards such as spills or sharp objects. Additionally, healthcare workers often face the risk of exposure to various pathogens, making impermeable and easily cleanable footwear an essential line of defense. Acknowledging the importance of foot protection is a proactive step toward preventing musculoskeletal issues and ensuring the overall well-being of those dedicated to the noble pursuit of healing. If you have questions about specific types of shoes to wear while working in the medical field, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you toward making the right footwear choices.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Central Ohio Comprehensive Foot Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Delaware and Westerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A podiatrist manages Morton's neuroma, which is a painful condition involving thickened nerve tissue between the toes. Morton's neuroma typically feels like a sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot, often with a sensation that is likened to a small rock or pebble inside the shoe under the forefoot. It may also feel like a stinging, burning, or numbing sensation in the toes adjacent to the neuroma. The discomfort from Morton's neuroma is generally felt between the third and fourth toes, but can also occur in other parts of the foot. Activities that involve pressure on the forefoot, such as walking or running, can exacerbate the pain. Initial treatments may include wearing proper footwear with a wide toe box and low heels, custom orthotic devices to alleviate pressure, and padding techniques. If these conservative measures fail, the podiatrist may administer corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain. In cases where non-surgical treatments do not provide relief, the podiatrist may recommend surgery, which involves either removing the affected nerve or releasing the tissue surrounding it to relieve pressure. If you believe you have Morton's neuroma, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can begin appropriate and effective treatment.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Central Ohio Comprehensive Foot Care. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Delaware and Westerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Arthritis, a condition characterized by inflammation and stiffness of the joints, can affect various parts of the body, including the toes. When arthritis strikes the toes, it can lead to persistent and often debilitating pain. The most common forms of arthritis that affect the toes are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis, often associated with aging and wear and tear, causes the cartilage in the toe joints to break down, resulting in pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. Conversely, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and deformities in the toes. This type of toe pain can be particularly challenging, as we rely on our toes for balance and mobility. It can affect daily activities such as walking, standing, and even wearing shoes comfortably. Understanding the nature of this pain is the first step toward finding relief and maintaining a good quality of life. If you have toe pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose toe arthritis, and offer appropriate management options.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Central Ohio Comprehensive Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Delaware and Westerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete's foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is a prevalent fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, often between the toes. This condition can strike anyone, not just athletes, and is primarily caused by dermatophyte fungi. Athlete's foot thrives in warm, moist environments, making it a common occurrence in areas like locker rooms, swimming pools, and shared showers. The symptoms of athlete's foot typically include itching, burning, and stinging sensations on the affected skin. As the infection progresses, it may lead to peeling, redness, and the development of blisters or cracked skin. In severe cases, the condition can spread to other parts of the foot, including the toenails. Fortunately, athlete's foot is usually easily treatable by visiting a podiatrist who can offer you prescribed medication for relief. If you have developed athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with this type of doctor who can guide you toward effective prevention methods.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from Central Ohio Comprehensive Foot Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Delaware and Westerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.