Cracked heels, also referred to as heel fissures, are a common foot ailment characterized by dry, cracked skin on the heels. This condition typically occurs when the skin becomes dry and lacks moisture, leading to the formation of fissures or splits. Several factors contribute to cracked heels, including prolonged standing, wearing open-back shoes, dry climate, and dehydration, in addition to certain medical conditions such as diabetes or thyroid disease. Finding relief from cracked heels involves a combination of preventive measures and treatment strategies. Regularly moisturizing the feet with a thick, emollient foot cream or moisturizer helps to keep the skin hydrated and prevent further cracking. Exfoliating the heels with a pumice stone or foot file can help remove dead skin cells and smoothen rough areas. Additionally, wearing supportive shoes with cushioned insoles and avoiding walking barefoot can reduce pressure on the heels and promote healing. For severe cases, it is suggested that advice is sought from a chiropodist who can help you manage this sometimes painful condition.

Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, can cause pain and discomfort. If your cracked heels are bothering you, please consult with Cynthia Chan, B.Sc., D.Ch from Healthy Advantage Foot & Orthotic Clinic. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Dry, thickened skin around the rim of the heel is typically the first sign of cracked heels. While this condition is common and usually just a nuisance, some cases can be more severe. If left untreated and as more pressure is placed on the heel, the cracks become deeper and eventually walking and standing can be painful. These deep cracks or fissures can bleed and also become infected. Those with diabetes need to be especially careful as fissures could lead to diabetic foot ulcers. 

Causes

Cracked heels can be the result of several different factors, including: 

• Dry skin
• Taking long, hot showers or using harsh soaps
• Standing for long periods of time
• Walking barefoot
• Walking in shoes with an open back, such as sandals or flip flops
• Wearing shoes that do not fit properly
• Living in a cold or dry climate
• Certain skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis

Treatment

There are many at-home treatment remedies for cracked heels. Applying moisturizers to the heel can help hydrate the skin. Soaking your feet in warm water and exfoliating them with a loofah or pumice stone can help to buff away dead skin cells. If you are afflicted with cracked heels, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for treatment. 

Prevention

You can prevent cracked heels by:

• Avoiding standing in one position for prolonged periods of time
• Wearing well-fitted shoes with a closed back
• Washing your feet with gentle soaps and lukewarm water
• Moisturizing the feet daily

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Scarborough, ON . 

Experiencing a burning sensation in the feet can be distressing, and several factors can contribute to this troubling symptom. Neuropathy, which is often associated with diabetes or alcoholism, is a common cause of burning foot pain. These serious conditions often lead to nerve damage that results in a persistent burning sensation. Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which results from the compression of the posterior tibial nerve, can cause a burning pain that radiates along the inner ankle. Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a vascular condition that restricts blood flow to the legs, frequently causing a burning sensation in the feet. Morton's neuroma involves the thickening of tissue around a nerve in the ball of the foot, resulting in sharp, burning pain. Lastly, ill-fitting shoes, which do not provide proper support or are too tight, can lead to foot discomfort and a burning sensation. For tailored care to alleviate burning foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist who can diagnose the cause and offer effective treatment options.

Foot pain can have many causes. To receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment for your foot pain, please consult with Cynthia Chan, B.Sc., D.Ch from Healthy Advantage Foot & Orthotic Clinic. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Causes

There are a variety of different conditions that can cause foot pain, including: 

• Plantar fasciitis
• Deformities, such as bunions or hammertoes
• Injuries to the muscles, bones, tendons, or ligaments in the feet
• Arthritis
• Flat feet
• Ingrown toenails

Symptoms

The type and location of your foot pain can help determine what may be causing it and what type of treatment options are best for you. 

Common types of foot pain include: 

• Heel pain
• Arch pain
• Toe pain
• Ball of foot pain
• Pain that has a stabbing, burning, or tingling quality
• Pain that is constant, intermittent, or that gets better or worse depending on the situation 

Diagnosis

A thorough medical history and physical examination of your feet will be required to determine a diagnosis. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs may be performed to rule out or confirm certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the cause of the pain. Common treatments for foot pain include resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot, wearing orthotics, or taking anti-inflammatory medications. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Scarborough, ON . 

Since the foot is made up of many small bones that can become injured or misaligned and the protective cushioning around them can deteriorate, several factors can cause foot pain when walking. A few causes of such pain are as follows: Plantar fasciitis causes pain in the heel or bottom portion of the foot. It is typically worse upon arising in the morning. Morton’s neuroma is when the nerves in the foot start to thicken and place pressure on the toes. One might feel as if there is something in the shoe like a rock or pebble, and there may be tingling, numbness, or burning in the ball of the foot and toes. Metatarsalgia causes sharp, aching, or burning pain on the ball of the foot just behind the toes, which can cause numbness or tingling in the toes. Similar to Morton’s neuroma, a feeling of an object being in the shoe might also be felt. Turf toe is a sprain of the big toe. The pain worsens when the toe is hyperextended, which is often the case in the push-off position. Bunions occur when the foot changes structure and the big toe is tilted inward toward the other toes. This misalignment causes a bump to appear at the base of the big toe. There can be a burning sensation, redness, swelling, or numbness in the foot that may get worse, particularly when wearing shoes. If you feel pain when walking, consult with a chiropodist who can diagnose the problem and help you with treatment options.

Injuries to the foot and ankle are very common among athletes. If you have experienced an injury, please consult with Cynthia Chan, B.Sc., D.Ch from Healthy Advantage Foot & Orthotic Clinic. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Common Injuries Among Athletes: 

• Achilles tendon injuries
• Ankle strains or sprains
• Plantar fasciitis
• Fractures
• Turf toe
• Joint dislocations
• Sever’s disease
• Morton’s neuroma

Symptoms

Symptoms will depend on the cause and severity of the injury. Common symptoms for a foot or ankle injury include pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising, a reduced range of motion, and difficulty bearing weight or walking on the affected foot or ankle. 

Diagnosis

Sports injuries are typically diagnosed after carefully examining the affected foot or ankle. This includes moving the injured area to test its range of motion. Medical history will need to be provided, as well as detailed information about how the injury occurred. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, may be used to confirm or rule out certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Just like symptoms, treatment will depend on the type of injury and its severity. Initial treatment for many sports injuries is aimed at controlling inflammation and promoting the healing response. The acronym R.I.C.E is a helpful guide to implement for most acute injuries. This method involves resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot or ankle. In addition, anti-inflammatory medications may be administered and orthotic devices may be prescribed. For more severe injuries, surgery may be required. Lastly, rehabilitation or physical therapy may be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Scarborough, ON .