3 Easy Steps for Treating Dry, Cracked Heels

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Source: 3 Easy Steps For Treating Dry, Cracked Heels

Cracked heels can be a problem, especially in the colder months when the air lends itself to dry skin. On top of that, these fissures can worsen as a result of the pressure put on your heels throughout the day - especially if you're a fan of foot-imbalancing stilettos. Along with being less-than-aethestically-pleasing, untreated cracked heels can split even further, causing pain (and in some cases, infection). Prevention is key: moisturize daily, get pedicures as needed, and drink plenty of water to save your feet. But what do you do when your cracks are already out of whack? Find out how to do your own at-home treatment when you read more.

• Step 1: Soak. Before heading to bed, soak feet in warm (not hot) water for about 10 to 15 minutes to cleanse and help promote circulation in the feet. Add Epsom salts, honey, oil, or milk to soothe and soften.
• Step 2: Exfoliate. Now massage on an exfoliating foot scrub to stimulate skin and slough off dead skin. Rinse off and pat dry. Other options: use Stridex pads, which contain salicylic acid, to help gently remove flaking, or a good old-fashioned pumice stone. But whatever you do, do not pick at, peel, or try to cut off dead pieces of skin. That can lead to unnecessary irritation and even infection.
• Step 3: Hydrate: To finish, apply a thick lotion, salve, or cream liberally to the feet. Cover with socks and let the moisturizer work its magic while you sleep. Repeat the process every day for about a week to reveal beautifully soft heels. And if the fissures still remain, head to the podiatrist for a professional's opinion.

Please call the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center office in Las Vegas anytime @702-878-2455 between Monday – Friday and we would be happy to set up an appointment for you.  Please visit our website @ www.FallCenter.com.   The Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center has Diagnostic imaging:  Digital X-Rays, Ultrasound or Advanced Imaging will be used to aid in the diagnosis.

Dr. Anthony Ricciardi at the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center has completed training in endoscopic/minimally invasive surgery for chronic heel pain and nerve pain, foot and ankle joint replacement for restoring pain free motion, arthroscopic surgery, bunion surgery, fracture repair, flat foot correction, external fixation for complex deformities and extensive experience in peripheral nerve surgery including diabetic peripheral neuropathy and reconstructive surgery of previously failed foot surgical procedures.  In addition to his surgical training Dr. Ricciardi focuses on sports medicine of the foot and ankle through regenerative techniques using the patient’s own blood/platelets for healing chronic foot and ankle problems (pain) as a result of repetitive sport injuries.  This cutting edge technology enables patients to continue training with little or no down time.  Dr. Ricciardi continues to be active in teaching and training other podiatric surgeons on innovative surgical techniques in foot surgery.  Dr. Ricciardi is Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and Fellow of the Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons.  Dr. Ricciardi’s vision is to bring each patient the most current state of the Art Technology and personalized treatment options to meet their Foot and Ankle needs (from conservative care to surgical options).  Dr. Ricciardi believes in quality service and puts his patients first!