Cracked heels are a common foot concern that can cause discomfort and affect daily activities. They often develop when the skin becomes dry and thickened, leading to painful splits. Cracked heels may occur due to itching from an injury, underlying endocrine disease, improper hygiene, or a lack of essential vitamins and minerals that support healthy skin. Symptoms include rough skin, redness, peeling, tenderness, and, in severe cases, bleeding. A podiatrist can identify the root cause and provide treatments such as debridement, moisturizing therapies, guidance on nutritional support, and advice on proper foot care habits. Addressing cracked heels early can prevent infection and ongoing pain. If you have developed cracked heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer relief and effective 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 out podiatrists from Alta Ridge Foot Specialist. 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 Mars Hill, Spruce Pine, and Boone, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, occurs when blood flow to the feet is restricted due to narrowed arteries. Reduced circulation often causes discomfort while walking, foot fatigue, or slow-healing sores on the toes or heels. A podiatrist can perform diagnostic tests, such as the ankle-brachial index, which compares blood pressure in the ankle to that in the arm to detect an arterial blockage. Additional imaging, like a Doppler ultrasound, can evaluate the severity of reduced blood flow in the foot and ankle. Without proper treatment, PAD can lead to tissue damage or, in severe cases, limb loss. Early diagnosis is vital to prevent these serious complications and preserve mobility. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with one of out podiatrists from Alta Ridge Foot Specialist. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Mars Hill, Spruce Pine, and Boone, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Morton’s neuroma develops when a nerve between the toes, most often the third and fourth, becomes thickened and irritated. This condition can cause sharp or burning pain in the ball of the foot, often described as standing on a pebble or having a wrinkle in the sock. Wearing tight shoes, high heels, or repetitive stress from running or other impact activities can worsen the problem. Relief often begins with simple changes such as wearing wider shoes, avoiding high heels, and using cushioned pads or orthotics to reduce pressure on the affected nerve. When discomfort persists, treatments like anti-inflammatory therapy, corticosteroid injections, or specialized procedures may be used to ease pain and restore comfort. If you frequently experience tingling, numbness, or pain in the front of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of out podiatrists of Alta Ridge Foot Specialist. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Mars Hill, Spruce Pine, and Boone, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Blisters on the feet are often caused by friction, pressure, or irritation. Friction blisters, the most frequent type, typically form when ill-fitting shoes rub against the skin, leading to the buildup of fluid between layers of skin. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and the formation of a small, raised bubble filled with clear fluid. They can be painful, especially while walking or standing. Common causes of blisters include wearing new shoes, prolonged walking, or activities that cause repetitive rubbing, such as running. Excessive moisture or sweaty feet can also contribute to blister formation. A podiatrist can help by assessing the severity of the blister and offering safe and sterile wound care. If a blister is infected or causing persistent pain, a podiatrist may recommend drainage, dressing techniques, or the use of specialized footwear to prevent further irritation. Custom orthotics or padding may also be suggested to reduce friction. If you frequently develop foot blisters, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer relief and prevention tips.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of out podiatrists of Alta Ridge Foot Specialist. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Mars Hill, Spruce Pine, and Boone, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.