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Cracked heels develop when the skin on the bottom of the feet becomes dry, thick, and less flexible, leading to painful splitting under pressure. Several conditions play a role in this problem. Skin disorders like psoriasis and eczema can cause rapid skin buildup or irritation, making the heels more likely to crack.

Diabetes and poor circulation can reduce moisture and slow healing, increasing the risk of fissures, which are deeper cracks in the skin. Excess body weight places added stress on the heels, causing the skin to expand and break. The skin loses natural oils and protective cushioning as it ages. Low levels of important vitamins and minerals can weaken the skin’s outer layer. A podiatrist can identify the cause and evaluate circulation and skin health. Treatment can then focus on reducing pressure, removing thickened skin safely, and supporting healing. If you have painful cracked heels, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.

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 Dr. Robbi Young from Grand Haven Foot & Ankle. 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 Grand Haven, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

As people get older, the smaller muscles in the foot can weaken as part of age-related muscle loss. These muscles help the toes bend and grip the ground during walking. When they lose strength, the toes may not press down as well, which can affect balance and control with each step. This may make walking feel less steady and can increase the risk of trips or falls. The change is often gradual and may go unnoticed until movement becomes more difficult. Wearing supportive shoes, simple strengthening exercises, and balance training can help improve stability and confidence. Paying attention to early signs, such as toe weakness or changes in walking pattern, can make a difference, over time. If you feel less steady on your feet or notice reduced toe strength, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an evaluation and guidance.

If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Robbi Young of Grand Haven Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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

Various toenail conditions can lead to discomfort, often resulting from injury, infection, or underlying skin issues. One of the most common problems is an ingrown toenail, which can become increasingly painful if not addressed. An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing redness, swelling, and tenderness along the nail border. The area may feel especially sore when pressure is applied, such as while wearing shoes, and infection may develop with drainage or warmth. Factors that contribute to this condition include trimming the nails too short, tight footwear, previous injury, or naturally curved nails. A podiatrist can assess the condition and recommend appropriate care. Treatment may involve removing the ingrown portion, providing guidance on proper nail trimming, or performing a minor procedure to help prevent recurrence. Prompt care can ease discomfort and reduce the risk of infection. If you have an ingrown toenail or other nail concerns, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Robbi Young of Grand Haven Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Selecting the right running shoes for a marathon is essential for peak performance and injury prevention. Comfort and proper fit are the most important qualities, ensuring that the foot is supported without pressure or slipping. Adequate cushioning helps absorb impact and reduces stress on the joints during long-distance running. Lightweight shoes can improve efficiency and reduce fatigue over time. It is also important to choose shoes that are suitable for the terrain, with proper tread for grip and stability on roads or trails. A podiatrist can assess your foot type, gait, and biomechanics to recommend the best footwear and prevent common running injuries. Wearing the right shoes is important for foot health, and may help to prevent foot pain. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury while running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat various foot conditions and guide you on the proper shoes to wear for your running style.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Dr. Robbi Young from Grand Haven Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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