Cracked heels often begin as dry, thickened skin, but pain can develop once the surface splits under pressure. Every step places force on the heel, causing the skin to pull apart and expose sensitive tissue below. This can lead to burning, sharp discomfort, or bleeding. Standing for long periods of time, wearing unsupportive shoes, excess body weight, and reduced skin moisture all contribute to deeper fissures. Certain medical conditions, including diabetes or poor circulation, increase the risk that cracks may worsen or become infected. Warning signs include redness, swelling, drainage, or cracks that do not improve with basic care. While some heel cracks are mild, others can interfere with walking and overall foot health. If heel fissures are painful, deep, or slow to heal, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

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 Dr. Kendall Blackwell from InStride Wilson Podiatry Associates. 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 Wilson, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Intermittent claudication is a common symptom of peripheral artery disease, or PAD, and reflects reduced blood flow to the legs during activity. Intermittent claudication is a tight, aching, or squeezing pain in the calf, foot, thigh, or buttock. It typically begins after a certain amount of walking or climbing but eases with rest. As circulation becomes more limited, pain may start sooner, walking distance shortens, and legs can feel weak or cramp. Advanced PAD can cause pain at rest, cold or numb toes, slow healing sores, skin color changes, or shiny skin, which signals higher risk to the feet. Because several conditions can mimic intermittent claudication, a podiatrist plays an important role in evaluation, vascular screening, foot exams, and coordination of appropriate care. For help dealing with symptoms of peripheral artery disease, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

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 Dr. Kendall Blackwell from InStride Wilson Podiatry Associates. Our doctor 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 office located in Wilson, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken toe is a fracture of one or more of the small bones in the toe, often resulting from sudden trauma. Common causes include a heavy object falling on the foot, or forceful stubbing against furniture or hard surfaces. Symptoms usually involve pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. Discolored toenails may appear when bleeding occurs beneath the nail. Diagnosis is typically made through a physical exam and imaging, such as X-rays, to confirm the fracture and its severity. Risk factors include sports activities, poor footwear protection, and balance issues. If you have symptoms of a broken toe, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis, stabilize the toe, manage pain, and guide proper healing.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Kendall Blackwell from InStride Wilson Podiatry Associates. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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

Peripheral neuropathy affects the feet by damaging the nerves responsible for sensation, balance, and muscle control. When these nerves do not function properly, people may notice numbness, tingling, burning, or sharp pain in the toes and soles. Reduced sensation can make it difficult to feel pressure, temperature changes, or minor injuries, which increases the risk of cuts, blisters, and skin breakdown going unnoticed. Muscle weakness related to nerve damage may also change the way the feet move during walking, leading to instability and a higher risk of falls. Over time, altered pressure points can contribute to calluses, ulcers, and joint strain in the feet and ankles. A podiatrist can evaluate nerve-related symptoms, monitor skin and nail health, address walking changes, and recommend appropriate treatment to protect foot function and reduce complications. If you have symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in your feet, it is suggested that you make regular appointments with a podiatrist for evaluation and treatment.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Dr. Kendall Blackwell from InStride Wilson Podiatry Associates. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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