Cracked heels develop when the skin on the feet becomes dry and loses its elasticity, leading to painful fissures. One common cause is prolonged pressure on the feet from standing for long hours or wearing shoes with inadequate support. Dry skin, often worsened by cold weather or dehydration, makes the heels more prone to cracking. Athlete's foot, a fungal infection, can cause peeling and flaking that leads to skin breakdown. Conditions such as eczema and psoriasis contribute to excessive dryness and inflammation, further increasing the risk of heel fissures. Without proper care, cracks can deepen and cause discomfort or infection. If you notice the beginning symptoms of cracked heels, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and prevention tips.

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 Houston Foot and Ankle. 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 offices located in Kingwood, Humble, The Woodlands, and Conroe, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pressure injuries and diabetic foot wounds may look similar, but they develop differently and require distinct care. Pressure injuries, or bedsores, result from prolonged pressure on the skin, often affecting people with limited mobility. They typically form over bony areas like heels and ankles, breaking down skin and deeper tissues. Diabetic foot wounds stem from a combination of poor circulation and nerve damage. Without proper sensation, minor cuts or blisters can go unnoticed, leading to infections or even ulcers that fail to heal. These wounds are especially dangerous because diabetes impairs the body's ability to fight infections and repair tissue. Both conditions can lead to serious complications, including infection and even limb loss. If you have any type of foot wound, it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist for a thorough exam and appropriate treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Kingwood, Humble, The Woodlands, and Conroe, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout, a form of arthritis caused by uric acid buildup in the joints, can be influenced by temperature and humidity. Cold temperatures may trigger gout attacks by causing uric acid to crystallize in the joints, leading to sudden pain and inflammation. High humidity can contribute to dehydration, which reduces the body’s ability to flush out uric acid, increasing the risk of flare-ups. Managing gout involves staying hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet, and avoiding triggers like alcohol and purine-rich foods. Wearing warm socks in cold weather and staying cool in hot, humid conditions can help prevent attacks. A podiatrist can help by recommending footwear and insulation strategies to protect joints from cold exposure. They may also provide guidance on proper hydration and lifestyle adjustments to minimize the impact of humidity. If gout affects your mobility or causes frequent flare-ups, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you improve your comfort and overall foot health.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Kingwood, Humble, The Woodlands, and Conroe, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar warts develop on the bottom of the foot due to exposure to the human papillomavirus, or HPV, often found in warm, damp environments. Some plantar warts resolve on their own, but others may require treatment. It is important to seek professional care, as attempting to remove a plantar wart at home improperly can damage healthy skin and increase discomfort. A podiatrist can provide several options, including applying salicylic acid to break down the wart over time or using cryotherapy to freeze it off with liquid nitrogen. If the wart is persistent, additional treatments may be necessary. Among them are curettage to remove the wart surgically, laser therapy to target the blood vessels feeding the wart, or prescription medication applied directly to the affected area. Plantar warts that are deep or cause pain may require a combination of treatments for effective removal. If you notice an unusual or painful growth on the bottom of your foot, it may indicate a plantar wart, and it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle. Our doctors 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 offices located in Kingwood, Humble, The Woodlands, and Conroe, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.