Items filtered by date: May 2024

Cracked heels can be attributed to various factors, including inadequate nutrition and vitamin deficiencies. Several vitamins play essential roles in maintaining healthy skin, and their deficiencies can contribute to dryness and cracking. For instance, vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, protecting skin cells from damage and promoting moisture retention. Vitamin C is vital for collagen synthesis, which helps maintain skin elasticity and integrity. Similarly, vitamin A supports skin cell turnover and repair, preventing dryness and fissures. Deficiencies in these vitamins, often stemming from poor dietary intake or underlying health conditions, can weaken the skin's barrier function and make it more susceptible to cracking in areas of high pressure like the heels. To address cracked heels caused by vitamin deficiencies, incorporating nutrient-rich foods into the diet or taking supplements under medical supervision can help promote skin health and prevent further complications. Cracked heels can be uncomfortable, and if you have this condition, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you prescribed medication and any other treatment necessary for relief. 

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Carrie Frame, DPM from West Virginia Foot & Ankle. 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 Charleston, WV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Tingling toes may be little more than the result of wearing tight shoes and socks or standing for long periods. But persistent or painful tingling in the toes should not be ignored, as it can signal serious underlying health issues. Among the major concerns is diabetes. High blood sugar levels damage blood vessels and nerves, which can lead to tingling, numbness, and pain in the toes if left untreated. Similarly, autoimmune disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, can disrupt nerve communication, causing tingling sensations, weakness, and numbness, particularly during exercise or rest. Raynaud’s disease, a condition triggered by extreme sensitivity to cold or stress, can lead to tingling or stinging pain in the extremities when exposed to cold temperatures. Deficiencies in essential B vitamins also can contribute to nerve damage and result in tingling, weakness, and numbness in the toes. Various other health issues can cause tingling toes, including stroke, shingles, atherosclerosis. Seizures, underactive thyroid, and certain side effects from medication are other causes. For these reasons, it is suggested that if you have been experiencing persistent tingling in the toes, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough exam. 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Carrie Frame, DPM of West Virginia Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Charleston, WV . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.