Cracked heels can be attributed to various factors, including inadequate nutrition and vitamin deficiencies. Several vitamins play essential roles in maintaining healthy skin, and their deficiencies can contribute to dryness and cracking. For instance, vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, protecting skin cells from damage and promoting moisture retention. Vitamin C is vital for collagen synthesis, which helps maintain skin elasticity and integrity. Similarly, vitamin A supports skin cell turnover and repair, preventing dryness and fissures. Deficiencies in these vitamins, often stemming from poor dietary intake or underlying health conditions, can weaken the skin's barrier function and make it more susceptible to cracking in areas of high pressure like the heels. To address cracked heels caused by vitamin deficiencies, incorporating nutrient-rich foods into the diet or taking supplements under medical supervision can help promote skin health and prevent further complications. Cracked heels can be uncomfortable, and if you have this condition, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you prescribed medication and any other treatment necessary for relief. 

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 Eveleigh Williams, DPM from Sole 2 Sole, PC. 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 Olympia Fields, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A bunion is a bony protrusion at the base of the big toe that can cause significant discomfort and affect daily activities. Luckily, there are various bunion treatment options available to alleviate symptoms and restore foot function. For mild to moderate cases, nonsurgical approaches include wearing wider shoes with supportive soles, using bunion shields and pads, and taking anti-inflammatory medications. Night splints and toe separators may also help correct toe alignment and stretch tight soft tissues. Custom orthotics can address foot mechanics and prevent further progression of the deformity. When conservative measures fail to bring relief, surgical intervention may be necessary. Bunion surgery, or bunionectomy, aims to correct the misalignment of the big toe joint and remove bony growths. This type of surgery is not without risks and may not always be successful. Therefore, early recognition, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate treatment are a must. A podiatrist can help to develop a personalized treatment plan that is best tailored to your needs. If you are struggling with persistent bunion pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. 

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Eveleigh Williams, DPM of Sole 2 Sole, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

Foot problems can signal underlying health issues that can worsen if ignored. For instance, neuropathy, resulting from nerve damage, can lead to numbness in the feet and make it hard to detect injuries. Conditions like diabetes frequently result in neuropathy, but a podiatrist is medically trained to offer treatments to manage symptoms. Changes in foot color can signal underlying issues like infections or poor circulation, and identifying and addressing these issues early is essential for effective treatment. Bunions, a deformity of the big toe, can cause discomfort and reduce mobility, but a podiatrist can recommend suitable footwear and a variety of treatment options to alleviate discomfort. Whether from high-impact exercises or wearing improper footwear, foot soreness should not be ignored. Podiatrists can prescribe custom orthotics to help alleviate pain and improve gait problems. Various musculoskeletal disorders can cause foot pain, and podiatrists can provide medication, foot padding, and other treatments to manage symptoms and improve mobility. If you have foot problems that interfere with daily activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact Eveleigh Williams, DPM from Sole 2 Sole, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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

Plantar heel pain, often referred to as plantar fasciitis, can cause discomfort and interfere with daily activities. It typically occurs when the band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot, called the plantar fascia, becomes irritated or inflamed. This condition often brings sharp pain in the heel, especially when taking the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest. Plantar heel pain can be triggered by various factors, including overuse, improper footwear, obesity, or certain foot structures. A podiatrist, or foot doctor, may recommend treatments such as stretching exercises, orthotic inserts, or in severe cases, corticosteroid injections and possibly surgery. With proper care and treatment, most people can find relief from plantar heel pain and get back to enjoying their daily activities without discomfort. If you are suffering from heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Eveleigh Williams, DPM of Sole 2 Sole, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Olympia Fields, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

As people age, the risk of a fall increases, but it should not be seen as inevitable. Falls can be caused by various factors, including weak muscles, poor balance, and dizziness. Foot problems like pain or deformities, and cognitive issues such as memory loss, and vision and hearing impairments, can also contribute to the risk of falls in seniors. Medications that induce drowsiness, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain bladder or bowel conditions can increase the likelihood of falling. Falls often result from an interaction of these factors, with a higher number of risk factors further elevating the potential for falls. In addition, falls can sometimes signal underlying health issues like constipation, infections, dehydration, or sudden confusion. A podiatrist can provide expert advice and interventions to address foot-related problems, improve balance, and reduce the risk of future falls. If instability causes you to lose your balance or fall frequently, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough exam and options for treatment. 

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Eveleigh Williams, DPM from Sole 2 Sole, PC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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