There are two layers of skin that are called the dermis and epidermis. The latter is the outermost layer, and is where cracked skin often develops. Heel fissures is the medical name for cracked heels, which can come from standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day. Additionally, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly may cause this condition to occur, and this can include wearing shoes that have an open back. There are medical conditions that may lead to cracked heels, such as diabetes, psoriasis and eczema. Patients have found mild relief when the feet are washed and thoroughly dried, followed by applying a good moisturizer to them. If you have cracked heels, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this ailment, and advise you on proper foot care techniques.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact John Horlebein, DPM from Northern Cascades Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Chelan, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ingrown toenail may develop when the toenail grows into the skin instead of over it. It generally occurs in the big toe, and it can cause severe pain and discomfort. General cause of this condition can include enduring a toe injury or from cutting the toenails incorrectly. Additionally, many patients may develop ingrown toenails from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Common symptoms that many patients experience include swelling and redness surrounding the affected toe as well as a discharge with ingrown toenails that are infected. There are various forms of treatment for an ingrown toenail, and patients who have one should consult with a podiatrist who can help find the correct treatment for their situation.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact John Horlebein, DPM of Northern Cascades Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Chelan, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

As we age, our feet experience the effects of age-related wear and tear. This can increase the risk of developing various foot and ankle problems, so it becomes increasingly important to take good care of the feet. One of the most important aspects of proper foot care is wearing the right shoes. Not only does wearing comfortable, well-fitting shoes make a foot or ankle injury less likely, it also reduces the risk of falling. Look for shoes that have a firm, non-slip sole and adequate cushioning. You should avoid walking barefoot, in slippers or flip-flops, or with only socks on. Wearing shoes with high heels taller than one inch is also not suggested, as excessively high heels can put too much pressure on the toes and balls of the feet. To learn more about elderly foot care, please speak with a podiatrist. 

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact John Horlebein, DPM from Northern Cascades Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Chelan, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoes are toe deformities in which the toes bend downwards at the middle joint. This creates a hammer-like shape and can affect any toes except the big toes. Hammertoes are common, affecting approximately 3% of all adults over the age of 21 in the United States alone. They are more common among women than men. Hammertoes are not a purely cosmetic issue - they can also be quite painful. Over time, the affected joints can become stiff and, if left untreated, can eventually become immobile. The tops of the affected toes also tend to rub uncomfortably against shoes, leading to corns and calluses. If you have hammertoes, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist near you.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact John Horlebein, DPM from Northern Cascades Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Chelan, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.