What Is a ?
The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) notes that are one of the most common foot con affecting millions of Americans. While small can be managed at home, es often require professional care—especially when they crack, cause pain, or affect mobility.
Anatomy of the Heel and Why Form
Your heel absorbs sig force with every step—up to 1.25 times your body weight while walking and up to 3 times your weight while running. This constant pressure, combined with the heel's position as the first point of contact during walking, makes it particularly susceptible to formation.
Key factors in development:- Friction from footwear: Shoes that don't fit properly or lack te cushioning
- Walking patterns: Biomechanical abnormalities that increase pressure on the heel
- Dry skin: Lack of moisture makes skin more susceptible to cracking and thickening
- Standing for long periods: Occupational factors that increase heel pressure
- Body weight: Increased pressure on heels from excess weight
- Age: Skin loses elasticity and natural cushioning over time
Types of es
Diffuse
Aead thickening of skin around the entire heel. Common in people who:
- Go barefoot frequently
- Wear open-backed shoes (sandals, mules)
- Have naturally dry skin
Nucleated (Intractable Plantar Keratosis)
A deeper, more localized with a central core. Often forms:
- Under bony prominences
- At areasghest pressure
- May be confused with plantar warts
Cracked Heel (Heel Fissure)
When es become extremely thick and dry, then crack—sometimes deeply. NIH research indicates that heel fissures:
- Affect approximately 20% of adults
- Are more common in women
- Can become painful and lead to infection if untreated
- Are particularly dangerous for diabetic patients
Causes of es
Understanding why heel calrm is essential for effective trend prevention.
Footwear F
Ill-fitting shoes: Shoes that are too loose cause friction; shoes too tight create pressure points. Open-backed shoes: Sandals, flip-flops, and backless shoes allow the heel to expand sidewah each step, increasing formation. In Florida's warm climate-round sandal wear contributes to widespread issues. Lack of cushioning: Thin-soled shoes or worn-out footwear don't absorb shock, transferring more force to the heel.Biomechanical Issues
Abnormal gait patterns: How you walk affects pressure distribution on your feet. : Can cause abnormal weight distribution and increased heel pressure. High arches: Often associated with greater pressure on the heel and ball of the foot. and : These deformities can alter foot mechanics and contribute to formation.Medical Conditions
Diabetes: Affects skin health and healing; diabetic patients must be especially careful with foot . Peripheral neuropathy:educed sensation means may go unnoticed until they become problematic.Lifestyle Factors
Occupation: Jobs requiring prolonged standing (healthcare workers, retail employees, teachers) increase risk. Athletic activities: Running, walking, and sports that stress the heel. Going barefoot: Especially on hard surfaces.Symptoms of Problematic es
While mild are pra cosmetic concern, stment if you experience:
- Pain when walking or bearing weight
- Visible cracks in the
- Bleeding from heel fissures
- Signs of infection: Redness, warmth, swelling, discharge
- Thick yellow or brown skin around the heel
- Difficulty finding comfortable footwear
Home Treatment Options
For mild es without cracks or pain, home treatmbe appropriate:
Soaking
- Soak feet in warm (not hot) water for 10-15 minutes
- Add Epsom salt or gentle soap if desired
- Soften the skin before any filing
Gentle Exfoliation
- Use a pumice stone or foot file after soaking
- Rub gen one direction (not back and forth)
- Never cut or shave at home
- Stop if yany discomfort
Moisturizing
- Apply thick, urea-based moisturizer after bathing
- Products containing 10-25% urea help softensed skin
- Cover feet with cotton socks overnight for deep moisturizing
- Avoid applying moisturizer between toes (can promote fungal growth)
Protective Measures
- Wear cushioned, properly fitting shoes
- Use gel heel cups or padded insoles
- Avoid going barefoot on hard surfaces
What to Avoid
- Medicated removers (contain acid that can damage healthy skin)
- Cutting with razors or scissors (risk of infection and injury)
- Over-filing (can cause skin to grow back thicker)
When to See a Podiatrist
Professional treatment is recommended for:
- Cracked or bleeding
- Painful c/strong> affecting daily activitiesi>Recurring despite home treatment trong>Diabetic patients
Professional Treatment at Central Florida Foot & Ankle Institute
Our podiatrists offer comprehensive treatment:
Professional Debridement
Safe, sterile removal of ed tissue using specialized instruments. Unlike home filing, professional debridement:
- Removes more tissue safely
- Addresses deeper nucleated
- Is performed under sterileons
- Can reach areas difficult to treat yourself
Biomechanical Assessment
We evaluate your gait and foot structure to identify contributing factors:
- Digital X-ray analysis when indicated
- Gait analysis
- Pressure mapping to identify high-streas
Custom Orthotics
Prescription orthotic devices designed to:
- Redistribute pressure away from ed areas
- Correct biomechanical abnormalities
- Provide customized cushioning
- Prevent recurrence
Treatment for Underlying Conditions
We address the root causes:
Advanced Treatments
For severe or recurring :
- Prescription-strength keratolytic medications
- Padding and offloading techniques
- Injection therapy for painful
- Surgical intervention (rare, for severe cases)
Prevention in Central Florida
Living in Florida presents unique challenges for foot skin health:
Climate Considerations
High humidity: While humidity can benefit skin hydration, air conditioning dries it out. Balance indoor and outdoor exposure. Year-round sandal weather: Choose sandals with heel support or limit open-backed shoe wear. Hot surfaces: Pool decks, beaches, and pavement can damage foot skin. Wear protective footwear.- Moisturize daily: Apply foot cream every night, especially in air-conditioned environments
- Wear supportive footwear: Even casual shoes should have adequate heel support
- Check your feet regularly: Catch early when they're easier to manage
- Maintain healthy weight: Reduces pressure on heels
- Stay hydrated: Internal hydration supports skin health
- Use a humidifier: Combat dry air conditioning effects
- Rotate shoes: Allows shoes to dry and reduces repetitive pressure patterns
Footwear Recommendations
- Choose enclosed-heel shoes when possible
- Ensure proper fit: Have feet measured professionally
- Look for cushioned insoles
- Replace worn-out shoes regularly
- Avoid flat, thin-soled shoes for extended wear
es in Special Populations
Diabetic Patients
The American Diabetes Association emphasizes that diabetic patients face significantly increased risks from foot :
- can mask underlying ulcers
- Reduced sensation may prevent early detection
- Healing is often compromised
- Infection risk is elevated
Elderly Patients
Age-related changes increase risk:
- Decreased skin elasticity
- Loss of natural fat padding
- Circulation changes
- Mobility limitations affecting foot care
Athletes
We work with athletes to manage while maintaining performance.
The Connection Between and Other Foot Conditions
es don't exist in isolation—they often relate to other foot issues:
- – Complete treatment for all types
- Plantar warts – Sometimes confused with ; require different treatment
- Foot and ankle pain – can contribute to altered gait and pain
- Skin conditions – Athlete's foot, eczema can complicate treatment
Frequently Asketions
Q: Can I cut off my at home? A: No. Cutting with razors or scissors risks infection, bleeding, and injury. Only a podiatrist should perform debridement. Q: How long does professional removal take? A: A typical debridement appointment takes 15-30 minutes and provides immediate improvement. Q: Will my grow back? A: Without addressing underlying causes (footwear, biomechanics), often recur. We provide prevention strategies and ongoing maintenance care. Q: Are es dangerous? A: For most people, are primarily a comfort and cosmetic issue. However, they can become dangerous for diabetic patients or if they crack and become infected. Q: How often should I see a podiatrist for ? A: This depends on your individual situation. Some patients benefit from routine maintenance every 6-12 weeks, while others may only need occasional visits.Schedule Your Treatment Today
Don't leful or unsightly es affect your quality of life. Our experienced podiatrists provide safe, effective treatment and personalized prevention strategies.
Call Central Florida Foot & Ankle Institute at 407-307-0006 to schedule your appointment. We welcome new patients and accept most insurance plans. Multiple convenient locations:- Lake Mary Waymont (Dr. Hoover)
- Lake Mary MedPlex (Dr. Mason | Dr. Griffin)
- Apopka AdventHealth
- Mount Dora - Tavares
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition. Related Services: Serving: Orlando, Lake Mary, Sanford, Longwood, Apopka, Altamonte Springs, Winter Springs, Oviedo, Deltona, DeLand, Mount Dora, Tavares, and all of Central Florida.