Cracked heels develop when the skin around the heel becomes dry, thick, and unable to stretch normally. As pressure builds while standing and walking, the skin can split and form painful cracks. These cracks can be shallow or deep enough to bleed and make daily activities uncomfortable. Dry skin, standing for long periods, and excess pressure on the heels all increase the risk of cracked heels. Wearing shoes that lack proper support or shoes with open backs can also place added stress on the heel. Symptoms include rough skin, thick calluses, and visible cracks around the edge of the heel. Some patients also notice redness or tenderness. When the cracks become deep, the risk of infection increases because bacteria can enter through the broken skin.

A podiatrist performs a detailed examination to determine the cause and severity of the cracked heels. The evaluation includes checking the skin, foot structure, and the way the patient stands and walks. The podiatrist also looks for medical conditions that can contribute to dry, damaged skin, like diabetes or poor circulation. In some cases, additional testing helps identify an underlying condition that requires treatment. A complete evaluation allows the podiatrist to create a treatment plan that addresses both the cracks and the factors that caused them. Early treatment helps reduce pain and lowers the chance of infection or deeper skin damage.

Treatment focuses on improving skin health while reducing pressure on the heels. A podiatrist can safely remove thickened skin that increases stress around the cracks. Care also includes custom orthotics that improve foot alignment and distribute pressure more evenly across the foot. The podiatrist can recommend shoes that provide proper support and reduce stress on the heels while walking. Patients with severe cracks, signs of infection, or medical conditions that affect healing receive additional treatment to protect the skin and restore foot health. 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 Kimberly Woodard, DPM from Pinnacle Foot and Ankle Centers, LLC . 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 Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Falls become a greater concern as people grow older, and the feet play a much larger role than many realize. Foot pain, poor balance, and changes in foot shape can make it harder to stay steady while walking. Conditions like bunions, hammertoes, and arthritis can affect the way a person walks and increase the chance of losing balance. Reduced feeling in the feet, which can develop with aging or certain medical conditions, also makes it more difficult to sense the ground. Shoes that lack proper support create another risk because they reduce stability. Paying attention to foot health is an important part of lowering the risk of falls and protecting overall mobility.

A podiatrist can identify foot problems that affect balance before they lead to a serious injury. A foot examination checks for pain, loss of feeling, and circulation concerns that could interfere with safe movement. Treatment includes reducing painful pressure, improving foot function, and recommending custom orthotics when they are appropriate. A podiatrist can also address conditions like ingrown toenails, thick toenails, or painful calluses that may change the way people walk. Early care helps improve comfort and supports a more stable walking pattern. Better foot function can also make daily activities feel safer and more comfortable.

Falls can cause broken bones, ankle injuries, and serious foot damage that limits independence. Research has shown that foot pain is linked to slower walking and poorer balance. This makes it an important risk factor that should not be overlooked. Addressing foot problems before they become severe supports safer movement and greater confidence while walking. Taking care of your feet could improve your chances of staying on them. Regular visits with a podiatrist help detect changes that might otherwise go unnoticed. If you have injured your foot or ankle from falling, or feel you may be at risk, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective treatment and prevention tips. 

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 Kimberly Woodard, DPM from Pinnacle Foot and Ankle Centers, LLC . Our doctor 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 office located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Swelling of the feet happens when extra fluid collects in the tissues, causing the feet to look or feel larger than usual. It may affect one foot or both and can occur suddenly or develop gradually. Swollen feet are sometimes linked to an injury, standing for long periods, or pregnancy. Swelling also may signal a more serious health problem that needs prompt medical attention. Other symptoms include pain, stiffness, and redness. Warmth or difficulty wearing shoes comfortably are other factors. The swollen skin may be tight or shiny, causing reduced flexibility in the feet and ankles. Because swelling has many possible causes, it should not be ignored. A professional evaluation can help determine what is causing the problem and whether additional medical care is needed.

A podiatrist can examine your feet and ankles to identify the source of the swelling. This may include checking the joints, soft tissues, nerves, and circulation for signs of injury or disease. If needed, a podiatrist may recommend imaging studies or work with your primary healthcare provider to help identify the underlying cause. Treatment depends on the diagnosis and may include reducing inflammation, improving circulation, or addressing injuries and other foot conditions. The goal is to reduce pain, improve foot function, and protect long-term foot health. Early care may also help prevent swelling from affecting your balance, mobility, or ability to stay active.

Professional foot care is an important part of treating swollen feet and preventing further problems. A podiatrist can monitor your symptoms, recommend appropriate treatment, and help you return to normal activities as safely as possible. Prompt evaluation may also identify conditions that require additional medical attention before they become more serious. Whether swelling develops after an injury or without a clear cause, early diagnosis can lead to improved comfort and healthier movement for many patients. If you have swollen feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Kimberly Woodard, DPM of Pinnacle Foot and Ankle Centers, LLC . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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

Corns are small areas of thickened skin that develop when the foot is exposed to repeated pressure or friction. They usually form on the tops and sides of the toes, although they can also appear on the bottoms of the feet. Unlike calluses, which tend to cover larger areas, corns are often smaller and have a hard center. Many people notice pain when walking or when shoes press against the affected area. Corns can develop when toes rub against one another or when shoes create constant pressure on certain parts of the foot. Foot structure and toe deformities can also increase the risk of developing corns.

The symptoms of corns can become more noticeable as pressure continues. Patients frequently experience tenderness, soreness, and a feeling that something is pressing into the skin. The affected area may appear raised, hardened, and yellowish in color. Pain can become worse while walking or standing for long periods. Corns that form between the toes are usually softer because of moisture in that area. Even though corns are made of thickened skin, they can be surprisingly uncomfortable and interfere with daily activities. In some cases, the discomfort causes people to change the way they walk, which can place extra strain on other parts of the foot.

A podiatrist can determine whether a painful thickened area is a corn or another condition that requires different treatment. Diagnosis includes examining the foot and identifying the source of the pressure or friction. Treatment focuses on reducing discomfort and addressing the underlying cause. A podiatrist may carefully trim the thickened skin, recommend padding or orthotics, and evaluate whether shoes provide proper support and fit. Patients with diabetes or circulation problems should seek professional care because foot problems can become more serious. If you have symptoms of corns it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Kimberly Woodard, DPM of Pinnacle Foot and Ankle Centers, LLC . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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