Cracked heels occur when the skin on the heel becomes dry, thick, and splits open. This condition is often caused by prolonged standing, open-back shoes, dry weather, or lack of moisturizing foot care. Risk factors include obesity, diabetes, and skin conditions like eczema. Symptoms include rough skin, visible cracks, itching, and pain during walking. Cracks hurt because pressure on the heel causes the dry skin to split deeper, exposing sensitive tissue. A podiatrist can provide professional treatment to remove thick skin, promote healing, and prevent infection. This type of doctor can recommend custom creams, proper footwear, and preventive care. If cracked heels are causing discomfort or bleeding, it is suggested that you promptly visit a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

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 one of our podiatrists from Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors 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 offices located in Washington and Shelby Townships, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Blisters, corns, and calluses may seem minor, but they can cause significant foot discomfort. Blisters are fluid-filled pockets caused by friction, often from wearing tight shoes or taking long walks. Corns are small, hardened areas typically found on toes, while calluses are thicker patches of skin on the soles, both caused by repeated pressure or rubbing. These conditions may look like raised, thickened, or rough skin and can feel tender, painful, or irritated, especially when walking or wearing shoes. A podiatrist can treat them by gently removing thickened skin, draining blisters when necessary, and recommending proper footwear or orthotics to prevent recurrence. While these issues are common, people with diabetes or poor circulation are at a higher risk for complications, as minor skin problems can quickly lead to serious infections. If you have any of these conditions, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

Ankle fractures are common among seniors, often the result of falls related to poor balance, reduced strength, or slower reflexes. As people age, their bones become more fragile, which increases the chance of fractures from even minor missteps. In the geriatric population, ankle fractures can be more difficult to manage due to osteoporosis, thin skin, and poor circulation. This may slow healing and raise the risk of complications. Some ankle fractures may be treated without surgery if the bones remain stable, but more severe injuries may require surgery to restore alignment. Long periods of immobilization can be especially hard for seniors and may lead to issues such as ulcers, infections, or blood clots. A podiatrist will evaluate the ankle fracture, review health conditions that could affect healing, and help determine the best treatment to reduce pain and support recovery. If you believe you have sustained an ankle injury, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

Lower limb salvage surgery is performed to avoid limb loss when there is severe damage to the foot or leg. This may be necessary due to infection, trauma, poor circulation, or complications from conditions, such as diabetes. The goal of this type of surgery is to remove diseased or damaged tissue while preserving as much function and structure as possible. Procedures may include cleaning infected areas, reconstructing bone or soft tissue, or improving blood flow. Recovery often requires close monitoring, wound care, and rehabilitation to support healing and restore movement. This approach can improve quality of life and mobility, especially when combined with lifestyle changes and proper ongoing care. Every case is different, and success depends on the extent of the damage and the body’s ability to heal. If you are facing serious foot or leg complications, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist about surgical and non-surgical options.

Limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have diabetes, cancer, or any other condition that could lead to foot amputation if left unchecked, consult with one of our podiatrists from Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Limb Salvage?

Limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.

However, there are other causes as well, such as cancer and traumatic injury. Links between higher mortality rates and amputation have been found. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated. 

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