Heel fissures, commonly known as cracked heels, are splits in the skin along the heel that develop when dryness and pressure cause the skin to lose elasticity. The heel naturally supports body weight, and when the skin becomes thick and dry, it can begin to crack under stress. These fissures may start as superficial lines but can deepen over time, leading to discomfort and difficulty walking if not treated properly.

Symptoms of cracked heels include dry, rough skin along the heel, visible cracks, and discomfort while standing or walking. In more advanced cases, the fissures may become deep and painful, sometimes leading to bleeding. The surrounding skin may appear thickened and callused, and the area can feel tight or irritated. These symptoms often worsen without proper hydration and care.

Several causes contribute to heel fissures, with extreme dryness being the most common. Environmental factors such as cold weather, low humidity, and prolonged exposure to dry conditions can reduce skin moisture. Nutritional deficiencies may also impact skin health and increase the risk of cracking. In addition, medical conditions such as diabetes can affect circulation and skin integrity, making the heels more prone to fissures.

Risk factors include standing for long periods of time, wearing open back shoes, and poor foot care habits. Preventive measures include regular moisturizing, proper footwear, and maintaining overall skin health. Cracked heels can be uncomfortable, and  early attention can reduce discomfort and prevent complications. If you have cracked heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Gregory Kranzusch, DPM from Foot and Ankle Center of St. Charles County. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in St. Charles, MO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a nerve compression condition that affects the posterior tibial nerve as it travels through a narrow space on the inside of the ankle. This tunnel is formed by bone and soft tissue, and when pressure builds within this area, the nerve becomes irritated. This condition is often compared to carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist, but it affects the foot and ankle. Because symptoms can resemble other foot conditions, an accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment and long term relief.

Common symptoms include tingling, numbness, and sharp or shooting pain along the inside of the ankle or the bottom of the foot. These sensations may worsen with prolonged standing or walking. Many patients report that symptoms feel similar to plantar fasciitis, especially when heel pain is present. Others may confuse it with diabetic neuropathy due to the presence of nerve related discomfort, such as numbness or tingling. This overlap can delay proper care if not carefully evaluated.

Several causes and risk factors contribute to the development of tarsal tunnel syndrome. These include flat feet, ankle injuries, and space occupying masses such as cysts. Individuals with biomechanical imbalances or chronic conditions that affect circulation or nerve health may also be at increased risk. Repetitive stress and prolonged weight bearing activities can further aggravate the nerve and worsen symptoms over time.

Early evaluation and proper diagnosis is vital in managing this condition effectively. A podiatrist can differentiate between similar conditions and recommend appropriate treatment options to relieve pressure on the nerve. Addressing the underlying cause can help prevent progression and improve daily function. If you have symptoms related to tarsal tunnel syndrome, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Gregory Kranzusch, DPM of Foot and Ankle Center of St. Charles County. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in St. Charles, MO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Falling down steps is a sudden traumatic event that can cause significant injury to the foot and ankle due to the high impact forces involved. This type of fall often occurs when a person missteps, loses balance, or fails to see a step clearly. The foot may twist, roll, or absorb direct impact, leading to damage in bones, ligaments, or soft tissues. Because stairs create uneven elevation changes, even a small miscalculation can result in injury.

Symptoms following a fall down steps vary depending on severity but often include sharp pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. Some individuals may notice instability in the ankle or an inability to bear weight. More serious injuries may present with deformity, grinding sensations, or persistent pain that worsens over time. Soft tissue injuries such as sprains or tendon strains are common, but fractures of the toes, heel, or ankle bones may also occur.

Risk factors for falling down steps include environmental hazards such as poorly maintained stairs, cluttered walkways, and inadequate lighting. Personal factors such as wearing improper footwear, rushing, or carrying heavy objects can also increase risk. Medical conditions that affect balance, coordination, or sensation in the feet further contribute to the likelihood of a fall. Reduced muscle strength or previous injuries may also make individuals more vulnerable to losing stability on stairs.

Foot conditions caused by falling down steps can range from mild to severe. Common injuries include ankle sprains, plantar fascia strain, metatarsal fractures, and ligament damage. In some cases, repeated instability may develop if injuries are not fully treated. Proper evaluation is important to prevent long term complications such as chronic pain or reduced mobility. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury from falling down steps, it is suggested you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Gregory Kranzusch, DPM from Foot and Ankle Center of St. Charles County. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in St. Charles, MO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Stretching plays an important role in maintaining flexibility, mobility, and overall foot health. The feet contain numerous muscles, tendons, and ligaments that work together to support movement and balance. These structures are placed under constant stress when walking, running, and standing throughout the day. When the muscles and soft tissues of the feet become tight, individuals may experience discomfort, stiffness, or reduced mobility. Foot flexibility is especially important for maintaining proper movement patterns and reducing strain on other areas of the lower body. Healthy foot function can contribute to better comfort and improved performance during everyday activities.

Limited flexibility in the feet can affect more than just the foot itself. Tight muscles and restricted movement may contribute to conditions like heel pain, arch discomfort, and reduced ankle mobility. These issues can influence walking mechanics and place additional stress on the ankles, knees, and legs. Athletes, active individuals, and people who spend long hours on their feet may be more likely to experience foot tightness and related discomfort. Paying attention to foot mobility is an important part of maintaining healthy movement and supporting overall musculoskeletal function. Early evaluation can help identify underlying issues that may be contributing to ongoing foot pain or stiffness.

Podiatric care can help address foot problems that affect flexibility and mobility. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, gait, and joint function to determine whether underlying conditions are contributing to discomfort or restricted movement. A professional assessment may identify issues involving the muscles, tendons, or joints that require specialized care. By addressing the source of foot pain and mobility limitations, a podiatrist can help improve function and support long-term foot health. Maintaining proper foot movement is important for staying active and comfortable throughout daily life. If you are experiencing foot stiffness, reduced mobility, or foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Gregory Kranzusch, DPM from Foot and Ankle Center of St. Charles County. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in St. Charles, MO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.