Items filtered by date: October 2025

The medical condition that is known as cracked heels can often cause discomfort, and in severe cases, it may be unsightly. It occurs when the skin splits, forming cracks. Deep cracks are known as fissures. Common reasons for this to occur can include standing for extended periods of time throughout the day, or wearing shoes that have an open back. Additionally, specific medical conditions can cause this condition, including psoriasis, diabetes, and circulation issues. Patients who are overweight may notice cracked heels developing, and this may be a result of the added weight that the feet endure. Relief may be found when shoes that have a back are worn, and it can help to soak the feet in warm water. It is beneficial to exfoliate the heels, followed by applying a good moisturizer. If you are afflicted with cracked heels, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you manage this condition.

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 one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctors 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 offices located in Inner Loop, Southwest, Greater Heights, and Pearland, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Selecting the right running shoes is essential for comfort, performance, and injury prevention. The best choice depends on foot shape, gait, and running goals. Runners with flat feet may need stability shoes, while those with high arches may benefit from cushioned support. Understanding your gait, whether neutral, where your foot lands evenly and rolls naturally, overpronated, where your foot rolls inward excessively, or supinated, where your foot rolls outward too much, also helps in finding proper footwear. Wearing the wrong shoes can lead to foot pain, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, or stress fractures. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot structure and gait, recommend the right shoe type, and provide orthotics, if needed. If you have foot pain while running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and provide additional guidance on appropriate shoes to wear for your running style.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctors can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Inner Loop, Southwest, Greater Heights, and Pearland, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot infections are a serious problem for people with diabetes because reduced circulation and nerve damage can make the feet more vulnerable. Even a small cut, blister, or ulcer can allow bacteria to enter, leading to redness, swelling, warmth, and pain. In some cases, the skin may become shiny or tight, and drainage or a foul odor may be noticed. If untreated, these foot infections in diabetics can progress into the deeper tissues, spreading to bones or joints and putting diabetic patients at risk of limb loss. A podiatrist can examine the feet, order imaging or laboratory tests if needed, and provide treatment, such as wound care, antibiotics, or surgery to remove infected tissue. Regular podiatry care is especially important because infections may advance quickly in diabetic feet, and early detection can prevent severe complications. If you are diabetic and have developed a foot infection, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and effective treatment.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Inner Loop, Southwest, Greater Heights, and Pearland, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoe is more than a visible deformity of the smaller toes. The bent position alters how the foot bears weight and shifts pressure across the lower extremity. As the toes contract, the forefoot absorbs greater force, changing walking patterns and placing extra stress on the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue on the bottom of the foot. This strain can trigger heel pain or plantar fasciitis, which in turn may further disrupt normal gait. Over time, a cycle develops where abnormal mechanics worsen both the toe deformity and the surrounding soft tissue irritation. Muscle imbalance and tendon tightness may also contribute to ongoing damage, making correction more difficult as the condition progresses. Wearing supportive footwear, targeted stretching, and orthoses can help reduce stress on the toes and fascia, but advanced cases may require surgical correction. If you are experiencing painful changes linked to hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Houston Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Inner Loop, Southwest, Greater Heights, and Pearland, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.