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Cracked heels

Cracked Heels

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Cracked Heels Treatments

Dry, cracked heels are not only unsightly, but they can also be a source of pain and embarrassment. Do you suffer from dry, cracked heels when you wear open heeled sandals? These cracks, known as heel fissures, are caused when excess pressure is placed on dry skin and calluses on the bottom of the foot. They generally aren’t painful at first, but they can be unsightly. If the cracks become deep enough, they can begin to cause pain or even bleed and lead to infection.

The skin on the heels may become dry for a variety of reasons, and this can precede a condition that is known as cracked heels. Standing for extended periods of time throughout the day, and frequently wearing shoes that have an open back are some ways this ailment may develop. There are also medical conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, or a thyroid disorder that can cause cracked heels.

If you are suffering from heel fissures, here are some helpful home remedies:

  • Moisturize your feet daily
  • Increase your water intake to keep your body hydrated
  • Wear clean socks and closed shoes as much as possible
  • Limit time in the shower as hot water dries out the skin
  • Avoid barefoot walking, especially on hard surfaces
  • Use a pumice stone in the shower to help remove dead skin & soften calluses

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 one of our 4 podiatry offices located in Chicago and Hammond, IN 773-205-0106. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

healthy feet

Benefits of Walking for Foot Health

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Foot Health

The foot is a structure with 26 bones, 32 joints, 103 ligaments, and numerous muscles and tendons, each component relies on the others to work properly. One of the best things we can do to keep our feet healthy is to use them. Walking can help improve the overall function of your feet.

Promoting good circulation through walking is important for your feet. Circulation is also critical in helping to fight infection if you have a bruise, or cut on your foot. Proper blood supply provides oxygen and nutrients to the structures of the foot and removes waste products. Good circulation also provides essential nutrients to maintain the health of your nerve sheaths and is important to sustain normal nerve function.

Benefits of Walking for Foot Health

  • Strengthen the bones and muscles of the feet and ankles.
  • Increase flexibility and stability in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
  • A healthy weight can reduce the risk of obesity, which can put a lot of strain on the feet and ankles.
  • Increase circulation and reduce swelling.

Tips for your walking:

  • Make sure to wear comfortable and supportive shoes, with socks.
  • Warm up and loosen up stiff muscles before you set out on a brisk walk.
  • Stretch after each walk to cool down and encourage muscle recovery.
  • Start slow, but challenge yourself to gradually take slightly faster walks.



Contact our Chicago podiatrist office to schedule an appointment for all your podiatry needs: 773-205-0106

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Broken Foot

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Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken ankle occurs when the bone endures a break, which can be either partial or complete. It can be very easy for an individual who has suffered a broken ankle to mistake it for an ankle sprain, and vice versa.
From minor cracks in the bone to clean breaks, foot fractures are some of the most common injuries diagnosed and treated by podiatrists.
Types Of Foot Fractures

Foot fractures come in 2 types: stress fractures and acute fractures.

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury.

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

Bruising
Pain
Redness
Swelling
Blue in color
Numbness
Cold
Misshapen
Cuts
Deformities

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

Call us today to schedule an appointment with podiatrist:  773-205-0106