Items filtered by date: June 2025

Cracked heels occur when the skin on the bottom of the feet becomes excessively dry and thick, leading to painful splits or fissures. Dry skin can be caused by prolonged standing, wearing open-back footwear, cold weather, or lack of moisture. Over time, the dryness may worsen and the skin loses elasticity, eventually leading to deep cracks that can cause discomfort, bleeding, or infection. Symptoms include rough patches, flaking, redness, and pain while walking. A podiatrist can assess the severity, remove thickened skin safely, recommend moisturizing treatments, and address any complications. If you are experiencing discomfort from having cracked heels, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist to restore smooth, healthy skin, and prevent further damage.

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 David Reynolds, DPM from First Podiatry. 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 our office located in Evansville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Wearing the right shoes is essential for safe and effective fitness. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to discomfort, blisters, or even injury. When selecting workout shoes, it is best to shop later in the day when your feet are slightly swollen, mimicking their size during exercise. Ensure the shoe fits both the width and length of your foot, providing enough room for toes to move comfortably. The right shoe should support your arch and cushion impact based on your activity. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot type, recommend suitable footwear, and address any underlying issues. If you have foot pain during or after your workout, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and offer you personalized guidance regarding the proper shoes to wear.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of David Reynolds, DPM from First Podiatry. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Evansville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Achilles tendon pain can result from conditions like tendonitis, tendinosis, or a partial or complete tendon rupture. The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel and is vital for walking, running, and jumping. Tendonitis is an acute inflammation, often triggered by sudden activity or repetitive strain, and may cause swelling, warmth, and pain. Tendinosis is a chronic condition caused by long-term overuse, which leads to gradual tendon degeneration. Symptoms include stiffness, aching, and pain that worsens with activity but eases with rest. The tendon may feel thickened, tender, or produce a creaking sensation. A rupture can occur suddenly, often during sports, and may feel like a sharp pain or a kick to the back of the leg. It often causes difficulty walking and may result in a visible gap in the tendon. Diagnosis typically involves ultrasound or MRI imaging. Treatment includes rest, orthotics, targeted exercises, or surgery, in severe cases. If you are experiencing heel or ankle pain, especially during or after physical activity, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact David Reynolds, DPM of First Podiatry. Our doctor 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 contact our office located in Evansville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Anterior tibial tendonitis is an overuse injury that affects a tendon that connects the tibialis anterior muscle to the front of the ankle. This muscle is key to moving your foot upward and turning it inward. This condition is caused by repetitive activities, such as running, especially on hard surfaces or with improper footwear. It can also result from sudden increases in activity or abnormal foot mechanics. Symptoms include pain and swelling along the front of the ankle, particularly when walking, running, or climbing stairs. The pain may worsen with activity and feel like a dull ache or sharp pain, making it difficult to lift the foot properly. In more severe cases, it causes tenderness or weakness in the ankle. A podiatrist can diagnose anterior tibial tendonitis through physical exams and imaging tests. Treatment options include anti-inflammatory medication, targeted exercises, and custom orthotics to address foot alignment. In rare cases, corticosteroid injections or surgery may be considered. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with David Reynolds, DPM from First Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Evansville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.