Cracked heels develop when the skin around the heel becomes dry, thick, and less flexible. Extra pressure on this skin can cause it to split, creating cracks that are also called heel fissures. Small cracks can cause mild discomfort, while deeper cracks can become painful or bleed. Symptoms include dry skin, thickened areas, and visible splits around the heel. Standing for long periods of time can place additional pressure on the heel. Wearing open-backed shoes can also contribute because they allow the heel to spread outward. Cold, dry weather and certain skin conditions can make the problem worse.

Several health conditions can contribute to dry, cracked heels. Athlete's foot can cause dry or irritated skin, while other conditions can affect the skin's ability to hold moisture. A podiatrist can examine the heels to determine the severity of the cracks and look for signs of infection. The examination can also help identify pressure patterns or another foot problem that contributes to cracking. Redness, warmth, or drainage can signal an infection and require prompt attention. Patients with diabetes should have cracked heels professionally evaluated because breaks in the skin can increase the risk of serious foot complications.

Podiatric treatment for cracked heels focuses on restoring healthier skin and protecting areas that have split. A podiatrist can carefully remove thick, hardened skin through a procedure called debridement. Treatment can also include prescription-strength creams, protective dressings, or medical skin glue for certain cracks. Shoe inserts can redistribute pressure across the heel and reduce stress on damaged skin. A podiatrist can determine which treatment is appropriate based on the depth of the cracks and the patient's overall foot health. Professional treatment is especially important when cracks are painful, bleeding, or showing signs of infection. Addressing the cause can help protect the skin and improve comfort while standing or walking. If you have racked heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions, which may include  prescribed  medication.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact the foot specialists from Academy Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Southlake, Keller (Fort Worth), Hurst, North Richland Hills, Flower Mound, Argyle, and Denton, TX. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The Achilles tendon is a strong band of tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It helps the foot push off the ground when walking, running, or jumping. An injury can range from irritation caused by repeated strain to a partial or complete tear. Symptoms include pain near the back of the heel, swelling, and stiffness. An Achilles tendon tear can cause a popping sensation and weakness. Some patients feel as though they were kicked in the calf. They may have trouble bearing weight, pushing off the injured foot, or standing on their toes.

Achilles tendon injuries can occur when the tendon is placed under sudden or repeated stress. Running, jumping, and quickly changing direction can raise the risk. A missed step or fall can also cause a tear. Risk factors include tight calf muscles, a previous Achilles tendon injury, and a sudden increase in activity. Pain that appears gradually can signal inflammation or minor tendon damage. Sudden pain with a pop, loss of strength, or difficulty walking can point to a more serious tear and requires immediate help.

A podiatrist typically asks how the injury happened and examines the back of the ankle for pain, swelling, and weakness. The examination also checks ankle movement and the tendon’s ability to support a push-off motion. Ultrasound or MRI imaging may be ordered to confirm whether the tendon is irritated, partly torn, or completely torn. Treatment depends on the location and severity of the damage. A podiatrist can protect the tendon with a cast, brace, or walking boot while it heals. Follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to monitor healing and guide a safe return to activity. If you have an Achilles tendon injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact the foot specialists of Academy Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Southlake, Keller (Fort Worth), Hurst, North Richland Hills, Flower Mound, Argyle, and Denton, TX. . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Pain in the ball of the foot can make each step uncomfortable. This area bears considerable pressure when a person stands, walks, or pushes off the ground. Symptoms include aching, sharp pain, or tenderness beneath the toes. Swelling or hardened skin can also develop near the painful area. Burning, numbness, or tingling can point to an irritated nerve rather than a joint problem. Because several bones, joints, and soft tissues meet in this area, finding the exact source of pain is important.

Several conditions can place too much pressure on the front of the foot. A high arch, flat feet, or an abnormal walking pattern can shift weight toward the ball of the foot. Bunions and hammertoes can also change how pressure moves across the foot. Other causes include arthritis, a damaged joint, or inflammation in the tissue supporting a toe joint. A thinning fat pad can reduce the natural cushioning beneath the bones. Running and other high-impact activities can increase discomfort. Shoes with a narrow toe box, high heels, or limited cushioning can also place added stress on this sensitive area.

A podiatrist can examine the painful area and assess how the foot moves while walking. The examination includes checking joint motion, areas of tenderness, and changes in foot shape. X-rays or other imaging tests can help reveal bone or joint damage. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the symptoms. A podiatrist can provide custom orthotics to improve weight distribution and reduce pressure. Other options include protective padding, footwear recommendations, or a medical walking boot. In severe cases involving major joint damage or a lasting deformity, surgery may be considered. Early care can keep the problem from limiting normal movement and help protect nearby joints from added strain. If you have persistent pain in the ball of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with the foot specialists from Academy Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Southlake, Keller (Fort Worth), Hurst, North Richland Hills, Flower Mound, Argyle, and Denton, TX. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toenails are affected more frequently than fingernails by fungus. The infection can cause a nail to become thick, discolored, or misshapen. It can also make the nail brittle or cause it to separate from the nail bed. Fungi grow well in warm, moist environments. Public showers, pool decks, and similar areas can expose feet to organisms that cause fungal infections.

Several factors can increase the risk of toenail fungus. Aging, diabetes, and athlete’s foot are linked with greater risk. Repeated minor injury to the nail can also allow fungi to enter. The infection frequently affects one or both big toenails and can take a long time to clear because toenails grow slowly. Not every abnormal-looking nail has a fungal infection. Nail changes can result from other conditions, which makes an accurate diagnosis important before treatment begins. Advanced infections can cause pain and damage to the nail.

A podiatrist can examine a discolored or thickened toenail and determine whether fungus is responsible. Testing a nail sample can help confirm the diagnosis because appearance alone is not always reliable. Treatment depends on the severity of the infection. Prescription antifungal medication can be applied to the nail or taken by mouth. A podiatrist can also thin and trim an affected nail to reduce pressure and support treatment. Patients with diabetes or poor circulation require careful attention because severe infections can lead to sores or additional infection. Toenail fungus can return after successful treatment, so follow-up care can help monitor the nail as healthy growth appears. If you have symptoms of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment, which may include prescribed medication.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact the foot specialists of Academy Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Southlake, Keller (Fort Worth), Hurst, North Richland Hills, Flower Mound, Argyle, and Denton, TX. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.