Total Care Podiatry

What are Cracked Heels?

‘Cracked Heels’ is often how people describe a condition where the skin on the heels becomes very thick, dry and hard. The formation of cracks may also be visible in this thick, callused skin. The skin bordering the callused area may appear red and sore. Cracked heels form gradually over a period of time and when any of the associated callus becomes too thick it can be very uncomfortable for people to stand and walk on.

heel fissure / cracked heel

Sometimes the callous can crack and create painful splits called fissures, which can become infected. In these instances it is important to have the callus treated by a Podiatrist to reduce the callous and/or address any infection that has occurred.

What causes them?

There are a number of things which may lead to a person having cracked heels:

• Wearing open backed shoes with no socks
• Walking around in barefeet
• Skin condition involving rapid skin thickening
• Wearing synthetic material on the feet either from hoisery or shoes

How can it be treated?

Moisturising the heels daily.

Gently filing the heels with a foot file once – twice a week.

Limiting the period of time you spend barefoot

Heel callus can be reduced by a podiatrist which can often help it to be managed much more easily at home through routine moisturising and filing

moisturising you feet

WARNING : This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional podiatric advice. Treatment will vary between individuals depending upon your diagnosis and presenting complaint. An accurate diagnosis can only be made following personal consultation with a Podiatrist.

What are chilblains?

Chilblains are small itchy swellings on the skin, which can become painful over time. They are a localised form of vasculitis, which is an inflammation of the blood vessels in the skin. They can look like red or purple discoloured areas of skin, and commonly affect the toes, soles of the feet and the backs of the heels.

If chilblains are left untreated, they can swell and dry out, leaving cracks in the skin that can expose the foot to infection.

Chillblain

What causes them?

Chilblains are caused by the skin’s abnormal reaction to cold. The tiny blood vessels in the feet and other extremities constrict and become narrow. In extreme cases, the surface of the skin may break and sores or ulcers can sometimes develop.  When exposed to warmth, the blood vessel can’t handle the sudden expansion and fluid can leak into the surrounding tissue and cause swelling and irritation. Chilblains typically occur a few hours after being exposed to the cold.

How are they treated?

If you have recurring chilblains it is  recommended that you see a podiatrist

WARNING : This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional podiatric advice. Treatment will vary between individuals depending upon your diagnosis and presenting complaint. An accurate diagnosis can only be made following personal consultation with a Podiatrist.

What is an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail is where the edge, or corner, of the toenail grows into the adjacent skin (the skin next to the edge of the nail) and pieces the skin, causing the toe to become red, swollen and tender (inflamed).

Ingrown toenails are common, with the big toe most likely to be affected on one, or sometimes, on both sides. The toenail curves and cuts into the skin, causing the toe to become tender and painful, particularly when you walk on it. If left untreated, the toe can become infected.

What causes them?

Ingrown toenails can be caused by a number of things:

• The most common causes of ingrown toenails are badly cut toenails and toenails that are picked, leaving jagged and sharp edges.
• Tight fitting shoes – wearing shoes that are too narrow, or too short,, can crowd your toes and cause your toenails to curve into your skin.
• Excessive sweating or poor foot hygeine – if the skin on your toes and feet is warm and moist, you are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail as the soft skin is easily peirced by the nail edge.
• Injury – such as stubbing the toe, or dropping something on it, can cause an ingrowing toenail to develop.
• Genetic factors – your risk of developing an ingrown nail can be increased by genetic factors, such as the way that you stand, the way that you walk, or having a naturally curved, or fan-shaped toenail.

How can it be treated?

It is best to treat an ingrown toenail as soon as you notice the symptoms. If caught early enough, your podiatrist may recommend the self-care advice listed below to prevent it from getting worse.

Soak your foot in warm water 3-4 times a day.
Use a cotton bud to gently push the skin away from your toenail.

Wear comfortable shoes with enough space around your toes.

Take painkillers, such as paracetamol, or ibuprofen, to relieve any pain. Children who are under 16 years of age should not take aspirin.
If your symptoms persist, your podiatrist will be able to remove the small part of the nail that is digging into your skin. As your toenail grows back, a piece of cotton wool or foam can be placed under your nail in order to prevent it from growing back into your skin. The cotton wool should be changed daily.

If your nail is infected, you may be prescribed a course of antibiotics.

Nail surgery

If your toenail does not improve your podiatrist may recommend that you have part, or all, of or your toenail surgically removed.

The most common surgical procedure for treating ingrown toenails involves only removing part of the toenail. This is called partial toenail avulsion. The edges of your toenail are cut away to make the toenail narrower.

Once the anaesthetic wears off, your toe may be very tender. You may need to take a painkiller, such as paracetamol or ibruprofen, and wear soft or open-toed sandals for about a week or so.

WARNING : This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional podiatric advice. Treatment will vary between individuals depending upon your diagnosis and presenting complaint. An accurate diagnosis can only be made following personal consultation with a Podiatrist.

 It seems people are more aware of the damage that occurs due to sunburns thanks to dermatologists and skin cancer screenings. ‘SPF’, ‘UVA’ & ‘UVB’ are becoming regular terms for those who enjoy outdoor activities. Whether you are going to the ocean, lake, river, or swimming pool, do not forget to put sunscreen on your feet. A sunburn on your feet can cause swelling, blisters, pain and limit your ability to walk in closed shoes. You may be able to stroll along the beach in flip-flops or sandals, but come Monday morning you most likely will be back in closed shoes and that is when you will be wishing you had put sunscreen on your feet. So, enjoy the rest of summer and if you have any concerns about your feet, come by the practice on Malop street and we will be happy to help you.

Here is a story from one of our valued clients:

“The first day on the beach I got a wicked sunburn on the tops of my feet. I didn’t have sunblock on, but I swear I was completely in the shade under my tent on the beach. I still don’t know how it happened. That totally sucked because it really hurt to wear flip-flops to and from the beach. It was the worst coming back from the beach because the sand on my feet would get ground into my sunburn by my flops.”

WARNING : This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional podiatric advice. Treatment will vary between individuals depending upon your diagnosis and presenting complaint. An accurate diagnosis can only be made following personal consultation with a Podiatrist.