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Cracked heels can result from the severe dehydration of skin on the back of the heels. If the condition is severe, the cracks can deepen and create fissures. Unfortunately, cracked heels can have an unsightly appearance. Sometimes the weather or season can affect the state of the cracked heels. For example, if it is during the summer time, the weather can be especially dry. As a result, the dry weather can exacerbate the dryness on the feet. This can worsen the state of the cracked heels. Hot summers can certainly make cracked heels worse due to the dry weather, however there are steps that you can consider taking to mitigate cracked heels. If you are someone that struggles with cracked heels, you can consider contacting a podiatrist today. 

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Bazzi Podiatry. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Detroit, West Detroit, Sterling Heights, Hamtramck, and Dearborn Heights, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are a variety of reasons why people may suffer from heel pain. Some common possibilities include over exercising, wearing shoes that are too tight, and plantar fasciitis. With plantar fasciitis, a sharp pain is felt between the heel and arch of the foot. The pain can become worse as the first few steps are taken after resting. Additional causes of heel pain can consist of a heel fracture or a ruptured Achilles tendon. When heel pain is felt, it is important to rest the feet, wear supportive shoes that fit properly, and stretch the feet gently. If care at home does not reduce the pain you feel in your heel, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination and treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Bazzi Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Detroit, West Detroit, Sterling Heights, Hamtramck, and Dearborn Heights, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Few people know that the name of the foot measuring device in most shoe stores and departments is called the Brannock device. It was invented in 1925 by Charles Brannock, who worked in a shoe store and discovered that determining customers' proper shoe size was difficult. The Ritz Stick was its predecessor, which was simply a fancy wooden ruler that measured the length of the feet and then had to be repositioned to measure the width. Brannock’s goal was to develop a device to measure both the length and width of the foot at the same time, hence the Brannock device. This device changed the course of history and helped scores of people determine their correct shoe size. Since then, more high-tech ways of measuring the feet are available in some shoe stores, such as scanners in athletic shoe stores. Not wearing properly fitted shoes can result in a host of foot problems. Measuring both feet is critical before buying new shoes and beyond that, making sure they are comfortable from the get-go is important. If you need help determining your correct shoe size, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for assistance.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Bazzi Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Detroit, West Detroit, Sterling Heights, Hamtramck, and Dearborn Heights, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.