Cracked heels are splits or fissures in the skin along the edge of the heel that develop when dry, thickened skin loses elasticity and splits under pressure. This condition often begins with roughness and callus formation and can progress to painful cracks that may bleed. Common causes include prolonged standing, open-back footwear, obesity, dry climates, and poor skin hydration. Risk factors also include diabetes, eczema, and other conditions that affect circulation or skin health. Symptoms may involve itching, flaking, discomfort while walking, and visible deep fissures. A podiatrist can safely remove thickened skin, recommend medical grade moisturizers, and address underlying causes. If you have cracked heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication. 

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 doctors from Advanced 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 offices located in Needham, Norwood, and Hanover, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Finding the right shoe size at home begins with measuring your feet carefully. Place a sheet of paper on a flat surface against a wall and stand on it without socks, keeping your heel lightly touching the wall. Trace the outline of your foot while standing to capture its full shape. Measure the distance from the heel to the longest toe to determine length, then measure the widest part of the foot for width. Repeat with the other foot since sizes may differ. Compare your measurements to a reliable sizing chart from the shoe brand you plan to purchase. A podiatrist can evaluate foot shape, arch type, and gait to also help ensure proper fit and comfort. If you have foot pain from wearing the wrong size shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips, and guide you on additional ways to find your correct shoe size.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our doctors from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Needham, Norwood, and Hanover, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sever's disease is a common cause of heel pain in active children and adolescents, often occurring during periods of rapid growth. It is caused by inflammation of the growth plate in the heel, frequently triggered by repetitive stress from running, jumping, or sports activity. This is especially common in children with tight calf muscles or high arches. Symptoms include pain at the back or bottom of the heel, swelling, tenderness, and limping after activity. The heel may look slightly swollen or red, and it can feel sore, stiff, or sensitive when walking, running, or standing on tiptoe. A podiatrist can help by starting with a careful examination of the heel and foot structure to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. Treatment often includes rest, footwear guidance, and targeted exercises to stretch and strengthen the calf and heel. Early care helps prevent further pain and allows safe activity. If your child is having issues with their feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and  appropriate treatment plan.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our doctors from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Needham, Norwood, and Hanover, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Knowing when to see a podiatrist can help prevent minor foot concerns from progressing into more serious problems. Ongoing pain in the foot, toe, or ankle is a common reason to seek care, especially if it affects walking, standing, or daily activities. Changes in foot shape, recurring calluses or corns, nail disorders, heel discomfort, or swelling that does not improve should also be evaluated. Sports injuries, workplace strain, and age-related changes can place stress on bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments, leading to instability or limited movement. A podiatrist is medically trained to assess foot structure, identify underlying causes, and create an appropriate treatment plan. Options include footwear guidance, orthotics, targeted therapy, or other procedures depending on the problem. If you have foot, toe, or ankle problems, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact one of our doctors from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Needham, Norwood, and Hanover, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.