There are two layers of skin that are called the dermis and epidermis. The latter is the outermost layer, and is where cracked skin often develops. Heel fissures is the medical name for cracked heels, which can come from standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day. Additionally, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly may cause this condition to occur, and this can include wearing shoes that have an open back. There are medical conditions that may lead to cracked heels, such as diabetes, psoriasis and eczema. Patients have found mild relief when the feet are washed and thoroughly dried, followed by applying a good moisturizer to them. If you have cracked heels, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this ailment, and advise you on proper foot care techniques.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists 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 Niagara Falls, ON . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoes are a common deformity in which the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes bend downward at the middle joint. This gives the affected toes a hammer-like appearance. They may also be referred to as claw toes, mallet toes, or retracted toes. This deformity is said to be more common among people who have bunions or high arches. Wearing poorly-fitted shoes and socks that squish the toes together can exacerbate the problem as well. Hammertoes can be stiff and painful. Over time, the toe joints can lose their flexibility and you may be unable to straighten the toes without surgical intervention. People with hammertoes also often notice corns and calluses forming at the tops of their toes, where the skin over the bent toes rubs against shoes. If you are suffering from hammertoes it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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

Fungal toenail infections can be unsightly, causing the nails to thicken and become brittle, crumbly, and discolored. In severe cases, the nail may separate from the nail bed, which can be painful. People with diabetes should also be wary of toenail fungus, as it can lead to complications if left untreated. A podiatrist may prescribe various medications to treat toenail fungus. Topical medications are applied directly to the nail, often in the form of a cream or medicated nail polish. Oral medications are taken by mouth and help new, uninfected nails to grow in. Sometimes, a podiatrist may prescribe both treatments simultaneously, however, it can take months for an infection to clear up. If you have toenail fungus, please consult with a podiatrist to determine what treatments may be right for you. 

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 one of the chiropodists of The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists 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 office located in Niagara Falls, ON . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.