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Cracked heels and callouses develop when the skin on the feet becomes thick, dry, and less flexible. Callouses form as a protective response to repeated pressure or friction, often appearing on the heels or balls of the feet. Over time, the skin may become excessively thick and begin to split, leading to painful fissures in the heel. These cracks may look like deep lines in the skin and can feel tender, especially when standing or walking. Contributing factors include standing for a long time, wearing open back shoes, dry skin, and certain medical conditions that affect skin health. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the callous buildup and determine whether there are underlying causes. Treatment includes careful removal of thickened skin, moisturizing routines to restore flexibility, and prescribing custom orthotics to reduce pressure. Early care helps prevent deeper cracks and possible infection. If you have cracked heels or callouses that have become painful, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.
Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Darron Barrus, DPM from Shelby Podiatry. 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 Alabaster, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Chronic ankle instability develops when the outer side of the ankle repeatedly gives out, often after one or more ankle sprains that did not fully heal. The ligaments become stretched or weakened, making it harder for the joint to stay stable during movement. Other common causes include improper rehabilitation after a sprain, weak ankle muscles, and poor balance or coordination. Over time, this can lead to ongoing discomfort, swelling, and a higher risk of future sprains. Treatment usually begins with conservative care such as targeted exercises to strengthen muscles and improve balance, bracing for added support, and activity modification. Anti-inflammatory measures may also help reduce pain and swelling. If symptoms persist despite these efforts, surgical options like ligament repair or reconstruction may be recommended to restore stability. If your ankle feels unstable or keeps rolling, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist to prevent further injury and regain confidence in your movement.
Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Darron Barrus, DPM from Shelby Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.
Causes
The most common causes of ankle pain include:
Symptoms
Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.
Diagnosis
Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Alabaster, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Foot ulcers are open sores that commonly affect the feet and can occur in both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. Diabetic foot ulcers are primarily caused by peripheral neuropathy and poor circulation, which reduce sensation and slow healing. Minor injuries may go unnoticed and develop into serious wounds. In contrast, non-diabetic foot ulcers are often linked to pressure, trauma, vascular disease, or skin conditions. While they may heal more predictably, underlying issues still require attention. Both types need proper wound care, including cleaning, protection, and sometimes medical treatment. Early diagnosis is essential to prevent infection or complications. Maintaining good foot hygiene, wearing supportive footwear, and monitoring skin changes can significantly reduce risk and promote healing outcomes. Patients should seek professional care from a podiatrist if wounds do not improve quickly or show signs of redness, swelling, pain, or discharge. Early intervention improves overall recovery.
Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Darron Barrus, DPM from Shelby Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Wound Care?
Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic.
What Is the Importance of Wound Care?
While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.
How to Care for Wounds
The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Alabaster, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Foot blisters form when friction, heat, and moisture work together to irritate the skin. A small pocket of fluid develops as the body’s natural way of protecting deeper layers from further damage. Although they may seem minor, blisters can become painful quickly, especially when they appear on areas that bear weight or rub against shoes. Keeping the skin clean and covered is important because an open blister creates an easy path for infection. Choosing well-fitting footwear, moisture-wicking socks, and allowing your feet to dry fully after activity helps lower the chances of new blisters forming. Avoid popping a blister on your own. Recurring blisters may signal issues with gait, shoe structure, or foot mechanics. If blisters continue despite careful attention or become red, warm, or swollen, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper evaluation and care.
Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Darron Barrus, DPM of Shelby Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Foot Blisters
Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.
What Are Foot Blisters?
A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.
How Do Blisters Form?
Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.
Prevention & Treatment
It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Alabaster, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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