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 Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. 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 Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Baxter’s nerve entrapment is a cause of heel pain that is sometimes mistaken for plantar fasciitis. It occurs when a small nerve along the inside of the heel becomes compressed or irritated. This nerve helps supply feeling to part of the heel and foot muscles. Pain is usually felt on the inner side of the heel and may worsen with standing or walking for long periods of time. Some people notice burning, tingling, or aching rather than sharp pain. The discomfort may increase as the day goes on instead of being worse with first steps in the morning. Flat feet, swelling, muscle enlargement, or foot structure changes can increase pressure on the nerve. Because symptoms can overlap with other conditions, proper evaluation is important. If heel pain feels burning or persistent, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. Our doctors 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cuboid syndrome occurs when the small cuboid bone on the outer side of the mid-foot shifts slightly out of position or becomes irritated, leading to sharp or aching discomfort. It is seen most often in active individuals, including dancers, runners, and people who spend long periods of time on their feet, because repetitive motion and sudden twists can place extra stress on the outer foot. Others may develop it after an ankle sprain, as the injury can disrupt normal alignment. Symptoms include pain along the outer mid-foot, difficulty pushing off during walking, tenderness when pressing the area, and a feeling of weakness or instability. Treatment focuses on restoring alignment, reducing irritation, and supporting the foot as it heals. A podiatrist can perform targeted manipulation, provide taping or padding, and recommend footwear or inserts that improve stability. If outer foot pain continues to interfere with movement, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat cuboid syndrome.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of our podiatrists from Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When a newborn’s foot will not flex easily, it can be concerning for parents, but early evaluation helps ensure healthy development. Limited foot motion may be related to positioning in the womb, tight tendons, or a structural issue such as congenital clubfoot or metatarsus adductus. A podiatrist begins by gently assessing the foot’s range of motion, checking muscle tone, and noting whether the stiffness changes with soft stretching. Most flexible positional conditions improve with simple hands-on therapy, guided stretching, and monitoring as the baby grows. When the foot remains rigid or shows signs of deformity, treatment may include splinting, casting, or other corrective techniques to support proper alignment. Early care makes a significant difference in long-term mobility and comfort. It is suggested that you see a podiatrist promptly if your newborn’s foot does not move or flex as expected.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.