Cracked heels are a condition where the skin surrounding the heel becomes dry, thick, and prone to splitting. In women, cracked heels often develop due to dehydration, excessive exposure to sunlight, and skin changes that affect moisture retention. Wearing improper footwear such as open back shoes or unsupportive sandals can increase pressure on the heel and worsen dryness. Excessive moisture from sweating or frequent water exposure may weaken the skin barrier, while walking barefoot on hard surfaces adds repeated stress. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of cracked heels, safely remove hardened skin, recommend moisturizing treatments, and address footwear concerns. If cracked heels are causing pain, discomfort, or skin changes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for professional treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Arcadia Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Scottsdale, North Scottsdale, Mesa, and Sun City, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pain in the second toe is a frequent complaint podiatrists hear and can develop for several reasons. This toe often absorbs extra pressure during walking, especially when the big toe does not move well or when foot structure puts more weight on the front of the foot. Over time, the joint at the base of the toe may become irritated, stiff, or swollen. Hammertoe changes can also affect the second toe, causing rubbing in shoes and joint discomfort. In some cases, inflammation surrounding the joint or strain of nearby ligaments can lead to aching or sharp pain. Wearing footwear with a narrow toe box or high heels may worsen symptoms by crowding the toes. Early signs may include soreness, redness, or a feeling of fullness under the ball of the foot. If you have second-toe pain that persists or affects walking, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Arcadia Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Scottsdale, North Scottsdale, Mesa, and Sun City, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, often developing between the toes. Symptoms can include itchy, white patches, and the feet may be red and sore, which can make walking and wearing shoes uncomfortable. The condition is caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments, such as sweaty socks, shoes, locker rooms, and public showers. Risk factors include wearing tight or non-breathable footwear, having a weakened immune system, excessive sweating, and sharing personal items with others. A podiatrist can diagnose athlete's foot, recommend effective antifungal treatments, provide guidance on proper foot hygiene, and suggest preventive measures to reduce recurrence. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist to treat the infection, which may include prescribed medication.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from Arcadia Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Scottsdale, North Scottsdale, Mesa, and Sun City, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Understanding ingrown toenails is important because this common condition can cause significant discomfort when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. It affects people of all ages, but is more common in males due to nail shape, activity levels, and footwear choices. Early symptoms include redness, swelling, and tenderness along the nail border. Conservative care may help when the problem is mild, including warm foot soaks, careful nail lifting, proper trimming, protective dressings, and medication, if infection is present. When symptoms continue or return, non-conservative options provide more lasting relief. In office procedures can safely remove the offending nail edge and, when appropriate, prevent that part from growing back. These treatments are quick and allow patients to resume routine activities with little downtime. If you have a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can determine the best treatment to ease pain and prevent complications.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Arcadia Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Scottsdale, North Scottsdale, Mesa, and Sun City, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.