Cracked heels and callouses develop when the skin on the feet becomes thick, dry, and less flexible. Callouses form as a protective response to repeated pressure or friction, often appearing on the heels or balls of the feet. Over time, the skin may become excessively thick and begin to split, leading to painful fissures in the heel. These cracks may look like deep lines in the skin and can feel tender, especially when standing or walking. Contributing factors include standing for a long time, wearing open back shoes, dry skin, and certain medical conditions that affect skin health. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the callous buildup and determine whether there are underlying causes. Treatment includes careful removal of thickened skin, moisturizing routines to restore flexibility, and prescribing custom orthotics to reduce pressure. Early care helps prevent deeper cracks and possible infection. If you have cracked heels or callouses that have become painful, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.
 

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 Kelly Whaley, DPM from Ohio. 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 Willoughby, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toe pain can come from many different causes, ranging from minor irritation to more serious conditions. Common reasons include ingrown toenails, corns, calluses, and blisters caused by wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or stress fractures can also lead to pain and swelling. Medical conditions may also play a role. Arthritis can cause stiffness and discomfort in the joints, while gout leads to sudden, intense pain often affecting the big toe. Nerve issues, like pinched nerves or neuropathy, may cause burning or tingling sensations. Infections or fungal nail problems can also contribute to discomfort. Treatment depends on the cause, but may include wearing proper footwear, rest, medications, or minor procedures. Early care can prevent symptoms from worsening. If you are experiencing persistent toe pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Kelly Whaley, DPM of Ohio. 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 contact our office located in Willoughby, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An ingrown toenail is a painful condition in which the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, usually affecting the big toe. This can lead to redness, swelling, tenderness, and sometimes drainage, if the area becomes infected. The toe may feel sore with pressure, especially while wearing shoes, and the skin along the nail border may appear inflamed or thickened. Causes include improper nail trimming, wearing tight footwear, injury, or naturally curved nails. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the ingrown nail and provide relief with safe and effective treatment. Care may include gentle removal of the ingrown portion, treatment of infection if present, and guidance on proper nail trimming and footwear. In recurring or severe cases, a minor in-office procedure may be performed to prevent the nail from growing inward again. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Kelly Whaley, DPM of Ohio. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

Plantar warts are growths that develop on the bottom of the foot, often on weight-bearing areas such as the heel or ball of the foot. They are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, which enters the skin through small cuts or breaks. Risk factors include walking barefoot in public places, excessive moisture, and a weakened immune system. Symptoms may include rough, grainy lesions, pain when walking, and small black dots within the wart. These growths can become uncomfortable and spread, if not treated properly. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar warts and provide safe, effective treatments to remove them. Plantar warts can be painful, and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have symptoms of a plantar wart, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Kelly Whaley, DPM from Ohio. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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