Cracked heels are a common foot problem that can be caused by a build-up of heel calluses or dry dead skin. This can result from a lack of moisture, which can cause the skin to become dry and hard. Healthy skin is flexible and supple, while dry skin tends to become rigid and can eventually start cracking due to the pressure placed on your feet. If left untreated, cracked heels can become severe enough to develop open wounds that are more prone to infections.
Some of the symptoms of this painful condition include foot discomfort, increased pain when pressure is applied to the foot, itchiness, and a white, dry appearance of dead skin on the heels of your feet.
Cracked heels can develop due to multiple reasons, such as staying on your feet for long periods of time, wearing hard, unsupportive footwear like flip-flops and open-backed sandals, constantly walking around barefoot, biomechanical or foot disorders that cause excessive pressure on the heels, taking hot and prolonged showers, being overweight, and medical conditions like diabetes.
Diabetes can lead to nerve damage in your feet, making it more difficult to detect cracks and other problems. This is why it's important to take extra care of your feet if you have diabetes. Additionally, being overweight can increase the pressure on your feet, leading to an increased risk of developing cracked heels.
At Foot & Ankle Centers of Frisco, Little Elm, & McKinney, we understand how uncomfortable and frustrating cracked heels can be, especially for people suffering from diabetes. Our team of experienced podiatrists is dedicated to providing comprehensive care and effective solutions for this condition. We use the latest techniques to help heal your cracked heels and keep your feet looking and feeling their best.
Our treatment plans may include removing the thickened skin with a pumice stone, moisturizing with emollients to keep the skin soft and supple, using prescription creams to reduce inflammation and promote healing, custom orthotics to help distribute pressure on your feet, and physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the muscles in your feet. In severe cases, we may have to treat an infection or repair underlying tissue damage. If you're struggling with cracked heels, don't suffer in silence.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and get the relief you need. Our team will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that meets your unique needs and helps you achieve optimal foot health.
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