Dry, cracked heels, or heel fissures, often worsen during warm weather due to increased activity and environmental exposure. Open-backed shoes like sandals offer little protection or support for the heel, allowing the skin to dry out and split. Warm temperatures and outdoor activities can lead to more time spent walking barefoot or in thin-soled footwear, which places more pressure on the heel. Excessive sweating followed by rapid evaporation also contributes to skin dryness. Prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces during summer outings adds to the stress placed on the skin of the feet. Swimmers and beachgoers may experience dry skin from continuous water exposure, which strips the skin of natural oils. A podiatrist can help treat dry, cracked heels and reduce the risk of infection or deeper skin damage. If your heels are cracking, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

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 one of our podiatrists from Front Range Podiatry. Our doctors 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 Littleton, CO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A diabetic foot exam is a comprehensive evaluation of the feet performed to detect early signs of complications related to diabetes. This exam is essential because diabetes can lead to reduced circulation and nerve damage, increasing the risk of foot ulcers, infections, and loss of limb. Causes for needing this exam include prolonged elevated blood sugar levels, poor foot hygiene, and inappropriate footwear. Symptoms that may prompt an exam include numbness, tingling, swelling, changes in skin color, or non-healing wounds. Regular foot exams can help prevent serious complications and ensure early treatment. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can perform routine foot evaluations and preserve mobility through proactive and personalized care.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Front Range Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Plantar fasciitis accounts for about 80 percent of all heel pain cases and affects roughly 10 percent of the population. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed due to overuse, wearing poor footwear, tight calf muscles, or high-impact activities. Symptoms include sharp, stabbing heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. The heel may feel tender to the touch, and the pain often worsens after prolonged standing or walking. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar fasciitis through a physical exam and possibly imaging. Treatment includes stretching exercises, custom orthotics, night splints, anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroid injections. In more severe or chronic cases, advanced options like surgery may be recommended. If you have ongoing heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Front Range Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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