The foot condition that is known as cracked heels can be unsightly and uncomfortable. It can occur as a result of standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day, or wearing shoes that have an open back. Additionally, existing medical conditions including eczema and psoriasis may lead to developing cracked heels. It is beneficial to receive regular pedicures, and it may help to stay hydrated by frequently drinking water. There are patients who find mild relief when their feet are soaked in warm water, and it often helps to use a good moisturizer. If you have cracked heels and would like more information about how to prevent and treat them, please consult with a podiatrist.

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. Kevin Davis from Davis Foot & Ankle Centers. 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 one of our offices located in Springfield, and White House, TN, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many babies are born with flat feet. There are patients who have no symptoms of flat feet as daily activities are easily accomplished. If the condition is severe, surgery may be a necessary remedy for permanent relief. Some of the symptoms that can be associated with this condition often include pain and discomfort in the heel and arch area and the foot may appear to be swollen. There is a procedure known as arthrodesis that involves fusing the bones in the foot together. This can be helpful in reducing severe pain and discomfort. Another form of surgery is performed by placing a wedge on the center of the foot. If you are afflicted with flat feet and have any pain associated, please consult with a podiatrist to learn the various treatment options that may be right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Kevin Davis of Davis Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Springfield, and White House, TN, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The Achilles tendon is a tough band of tissue located at the back of the calf that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. This tendon is a frequent site of injury, particularly among people involved with high impact sports. When the Achilles tendon partially or completely tears, it is known as an Achilles tendon rupture. Symptoms of this condition may include a popping or snapping sound at the time of injury, sudden and severe pain in the back of the ankle, calf swelling, and difficulty moving the affected leg. This injury has an excellent prognosis when diagnosed and treated early. If you suspect that you may have ruptured your Achilles tendon, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Kevin Davis of Davis Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Springfield, and White House, TN, . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Many parents buy the first pair of shoes prematurely for their children. It is not necessary for children to wear shoes until they begin walking. It is said that while babies are crawling, soft socks with non-skid soles are more important than shoes. As they learn to walk, allow them to walk barefoot while indoors as this is beneficial in strengthening the toes. When shoes are purchased, it helps to choose a pair that are flexible, have a softer sole, and have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. This will help prevent stubbed toes and ingrown toenails, which can cause severe pain and discomfort. If you would like more information about what type of first shoes your child should wear, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist. 

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Kevin Davis of Davis Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Springfield, and White House, TN, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.