Cracked heels occur when the skin on the heels becomes dry, thickened, and splits. These cracks can cause discomfort and lead to infections if left untreated. The primary causes of cracked heels include dry skin, which reduces skin elasticity, and excessive pressure from standing or walking for long periods. Poor footwear choices, such as shoes that do not provide adequate support, can worsen the condition. Certain medical conditions like diabetes and eczema can also contribute to cracked heels, as they affect the skin’s ability to retain moisture. Obesity adds extra pressure on the feet, increasing the risk of cracks or fissures. Additionally, hydration is essential for maintaining skin health, and drinking sufficient water helps prevent the skin from drying out and cracking. Cracked heels can be painful and make it difficult to complete daily activities. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can successfully treat this ailment, 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 Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. 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 Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Thick toenails are a common condition where the toenails become abnormally thick, often appearing yellowish or discolored. This condition can be caused by fungal infections, aging, trauma to the toenail, or underlying health conditions like diabetes or psoriasis. The symptoms of thick toenails include visible thickening, discoloration, and sometimes crumbling or brittle edges. The toenails may also become painful, especially when pressure is applied, or when wearing tight shoes. In severe cases, the nail may lift from the nail bed or become misshapen. Treatment for thick toenails depends on the cause. If caused by a fungal infection, antifungal medications, either topical or oral, are typically used. In some cases, a podiatrist may recommend trimming or debriding the toenail, or using laser therapy to treat fungal infections. A podiatrist can diagnose the underlying cause and provide effective treatments for thick toenails. If you are experiencing this condition, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Lower limb salvage focuses on saving an at-risk leg or foot from limb loss due to severe injuries, infections, or complications from conditions like diabetes or peripheral artery disease. The goal is to restore functionality, preserve mobility, and improve quality of life while minimizing pain and complications. This task requires a multidisciplinary approach and often involves advanced techniques such as wound debridement, skin grafts, vascular procedures, and reconstructive surgery. Custom orthotics, braces, or special footwear may also be used to offload pressure and prevent further damage. Early intervention is critical, as untreated infections or poor circulation can escalate quickly. Lower limb salvage is a highly personalized process that considers each patient’s unique circumstances, focusing on long-term outcomes and independence. If you or a loved one are at risk, it is suggested that you include a podiatrist on your medical team to explore the best treatment options for preserving limb health and mobility.

Diabetic Limb Salvage

Diabetic limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have a foot ulcer and diabetes, consult with one of our podiatrists from Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Diabetic Limb Salvage?

Diabetic limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot, that has an infected ulcer, from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. 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.

Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Amputation has been found to lead to higher mortality rates. 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 Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, often affecting the big toe. It occurs when the body produces too much uric acid or does not excrete enough through urine. Symptoms include sudden, intense pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the affected joint, typically during the night. Gout attacks can feel excruciating, making even the lightest touch unbearable. Treatment for gout involves medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs called NSAIDs, colchicine, or corticosteroids to reduce pain and inflammation. Long-term management may include medications to lower uric acid levels and lifestyle changes like reducing alcohol intake and eating a purine-free diet. A podiatrist can help diagnose gout, manage flare-ups, and provide advice on footwear and exercises to reduce strain on affected joints. If you are experiencing symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you schedle an appointment with a podiatrist for effective treatment and management.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Complex injuries of the foot and ankle involve multiple fractures, dislocations, or significant damage to soft tissues, such as ligaments, tendons, or nerves. These injuries are considered complex due to their intricate anatomy, weight-bearing function, and the challenge of restoring mobility, stability, and alignment. Polytrauma, where multiple injuries are affecting different areas of the body, can complicate foot and ankle injuries further, as they may be overlooked initially while treating life-threatening conditions. Such scenarios often occur in car accidents, falls, or severe sports injuries, where the foot and ankle are subject to extreme forces. Addressing complex injuries requires prompt medical attention from specialists such as podiatrists. Advanced imaging like CT or MRI scans may be necessary to fully assess the damage. Treatment typically involves surgery, targeted exercises, and long-term care to optimize recovery and restore function. If you have sustained any foot or ankle injury, it is strongly suggested that you seek care from a podiatrist.

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with one of our podiatrists from Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Muscle strains
• Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
• Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

• Bruising
• Inflammation/ Swelling
• Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.