Heel fissures, or cracked heels, often occur when the skin on the feet becomes thick, dry, and less elastic. Over time, pressure from standing or walking causes the hardened layers to split, creating painful cracks that can bleed or become infected. Research into the structure of healthy and callused skin shows that excess keratin buildup reduces flexibility and traps moisture unevenly, leading to deeper fissures. Regular exfoliation and hydration help restore softness and prevent further damage. Applying urea-based or lactic acid creams softens thickened skin, while protective heel balms lock in moisture. In severe cases, debridement and professional podiatric care may be necessary to remove excess tissue and promote healing. Consistent foot care and wearing supportive shoes that reduce friction and pressure are key to keeping heels smooth, strong, and comfortable. If you are suffering with painful or chronic heel fissures, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for expert care.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact David Mansky, DPM from Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor 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 office located in Hastings, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pain on the bottom of the foot can be caused by plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, or peripheral neuropathy. Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the band of tissue along the arch, causing sharp heel pain, especially in the morning. Metatarsalgia affects the ball of the foot and may feel like a burning or aching sensation worsened by standing or walking. Peripheral neuropathy, often linked to diabetes or nerve damage, can cause tingling, numbness, or shooting pain in the soles of the feet. Each condition appears differently, but all can significantly impact mobility and quality of life. A podiatrist can perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical exam, gait analysis, and imaging if needed, to determine the cause. Treatment may involve custom orthotics, stretching exercises, footwear changes, medications, or specialized therapies. Addressing foot pain early can prevent long-term discomfort and complications. To find lasting relief, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with David Mansky, DPM from Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

A foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that typically occurs on the bottom of the foot. It is common in individuals with diabetes or poor circulation, as high blood sugar and reduced blood flow can impair healing. Foot ulcers can develop due to pressure, friction, or injury, and without proper care, they can become infected or worsen over time. Effective wound care is an important way to prevent further complications. This involves cleaning the ulcer regularly, applying appropriate dressings, and ensuring the foot is protected from further injury. It is also important to manage underlying conditions, such as diabetes, by keeping blood sugar levels under control. In some cases, a podiatrist may recommend antibiotics if an infection is present. Wearing proper footwear and offloading pressure from the affected area are also essential in promoting healing and preventing recurrence. If you have developed a foot ulcer, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with David Mansky, DPM from Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Hastings, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The bones of the foot play a critical role in running by acting as a spring that stores and releases energy with each step. As the foot strikes the ground, the arches compress to absorb shock and dissipate energy, protecting the joints and soft tissues from excessive stress. During push off, the bones and ligaments work together to release stored energy, propelling the body forward efficiently. Research shows that the foot contributes a significant proportion of the total energy return during running, highlighting its importance in performance and injury prevention. A podiatrist can help by analyzing gait, prescribing orthotics, and providing strategies to optimize foot function. If you have foot pain from running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on practical running form strategies. 

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact David Mansky, DPM from Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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