Cracked heels, dry skin and other conditions of the feet often are ignored but if not treated, these small-scale ailments can cause bigger problems. They open the door to deep fissures and a source of bacteria and infections. Experts say when it comes to visiting a foot doctor Lynnwood WA residents should schedule a consultation, even when you do not feel your feet have any obvious signs of a problem.
Why A Podiatry Consultation Is Important
Every day our feet perform hard labor. They not only provide agility but also balance, and we rely upon them to get us from here-to-there throughout our lifetime. Accordingly, caring for them is very important for their health and well-being. A podiatrist can oversee the care of pathological nail growth, the treatment of ingrown toenails, calluses, heel tears, and corns as well as support in the treatment of diseases of the foot and toenails. Also for skin and nail changes in psoriasis, rheumatic feet issues, and feet of patients who are treated with anticoagulant drugs. Experts say one of the most dire issues today is diabetics who suffer from foot problems.
Podiatrist pay special attention to patients with diabetes mellitus. An interdisciplinary care concept can help to protect diabetics from the consequences of diabetic foot syndrome. Diabetic foot syndrome often occurs as a complication of long-term excessive blood sugar. This high blood sugar or limited blood flow can weaken the immune system in the long term. Wound healing is delayed or even prevented. Even simple skin damage such as bruises, tears, and minor injuries can become infected in this way. In addition, athlete’s foot can spread more easily.
Preventing And Treating Cracked Heels
Cracks or fissures in the heels of the feet mainly occur because of a loss of the normal elasticity of the skin. When they appear on the heel, these small splits in the skin become unsightly and as they become deeper, they cause a lot of discomfort, and pain. In the most serious cases, they cause bleeding and walking disorders. Just like the skin on the face, even the skin of the feet needs to be constantly “pampered.
The more the skin of the foot, and the heel is hydrated and nourished with specific creams, the easier it will be to prevent and treat any cracks. The first treatment against heel cracks is undoubtedly the restoration of the natural elasticity of the heel skin. For this purpose, moisturizes and nourishing, hydrating creams prove to be an excellent remedy against heel cracks. To soften the skin on your feet and the initial start of fissures, rub Vaseline and Castor oil into the heels. This should improve the elasticity and appearance of dry and hyperkeratotic skin, while eliminating dead skin cells. Also, rub feet with a pumice stone to remove dead skin.
In the presence of particularly cracked heels and deep fissures, characterized by sores that have become painful and difficult to heal, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. Ignoring these foot problems can lead to bacterial or fungal infections. Doctors will prescribe a foot cream with antibiotics to quickly treat the problem, but it’s important not to neglect and ignore these problems before they become worse.