Treatment of a broken heel bone

Many women do not pay enough attention to caring for their feet at home. But so that the heels always look perfect, are soft and do not require treatment of cracks, it is enough to follow a simple algorithm, observe 4 basic rules.

Plantar hyperkeratosis is a thickening of the stratum corneum under the influence of physical factors that affect the foot. As the skin thickens, it becomes more resistant to damage and its sensitivity decreases. Hyperkeratosis is an example of the body's adaptive response to changing environmental conditions.

Hyperkeratosis becomes a problem when a number of aggressive factors affect the metabolism and fluids in the skin of the feet, causing the skin to lose elasticity and firmness, as well as mechanical strength.

This results in dry, bleeding or weeping cracks and deep blisters that are annoying and sometimes cause severe pain that limits physical activities.

Cracks on feet

Cracks are an inevitable side effect of hyperkeratosis. The excessively thick skin, which has lost its elasticity, can no longer withstand the stress of walking as well as it used to. Cracks occur in the places where the pressure is greatest. Her favorite spot is the heel.

The tear is usually wider on the surface of the skin and narrows at depth. If they persist over a longer period of time, the edge of the crack also becomes calloused and thickened.

However, this does not lead to a cure. On the contrary: such a tear worsens and begins to bleed when walking. In severe cases, the cracks can extend to the bone.

Why cracked heels in women

During pregnancy, it is not uncommon for a woman's heels to crack due to the increased weight and stress on the feet. During this time, the feet also swell and varicose veins may appear. All this also leads to deformation of the epidermis.

However, such situations occur not only during pregnancy. So why do women's heels crack more often? The answer has to do with the choice of footwear. If the shoe has a synthetic insole, a high heel, or is too tight and uncomfortable, this will lead to cracked skin. Summer shoes - sandals with a flat sole - also have a negative effect on the heels. When walking, the back part of the heel hits the sandals, causing damage.

Why cracked heels in men

If you have to stand on your feet for a long time at work, the condition of your heels can be affected. This is the case with military personnel and workers - often male workers.

There are also other causes of cracked heels in men. This is also due to the wrong choice of footwear: synthetics, artificial leather and suede do not allow oxygen to reach the skin. This causes the feet to sweat, creating an ideal environment for easier damage to the skin.

What are the symptoms of cracked feet and heels?

Aside from the obvious symptom of large cracks surrounded by a thick layer of dry, cracked, flaky skin, cracked feet cause pain when walking. The pain is limited to the area of the lesion, burns and increases with pressure. Some people experience psychological discomfort because these wounds, especially if they are numerous, affect the appearance of the feet.

Heel cracks vary in depth and length. They can occur singly or multiple times, on one heel or on both at the same time. They usually begin with dryness, hardening and thickening of the skin at the edge of the heel. These areas look like calluses and are yellow, dark brown, or grayish-white in color. Initially small cracks are visible. However, if these are left untreated and continue to put pressure on the heels, they will worsen and begin to bleed.

Conditions that affect blood flow to the feet put you at high risk of infection, inflammation, and the formation of long-term ulcers.

How to treat a cracked foot?

• Find the cause of the cracked foot;
• Proper care;
• Choosing a soothing, nourishing ointment or cream for cracked feet;
• foot baths, paraffin therapy;
• Keratolytic products for removing dead skin;
• Pedicure.

Cracked feet are often the result of problems in the body. For example, endocrine, vascular or nervous disorders, vitamin or mineral deficiencies. It is important to identify the causes of cracked feet at the beginning of treatment and, if possible, eliminate them. This makes it easier to restore healthy skin structure and helps prevent new cracks in the future. If cracked feet occur regularly, you should undergo a health check.

One of the most important treatments is a hardware pedicure.

• Calloused areas are removed without trauma;
• It thins out the hard edges of the cracks;
• Accelerates tissue regeneration;
• It makes the skin softer and more elastic.

It is recommended to carry out the treatment regularly, that is, every 3 to 4 weeks.

Paraffin therapy and foot baths are used to treat cracks on the feet and soles. Paraffin forms a film on the surface of the skin that provides protection and moisture. Baths help soften rough skin, but talk to your doctor about their use and composition as they are not always approved.

Nourishing, moisturizing or healing creams for cracked feet can be applied several times a day to nourish the skin. On the Internet you can find reviews of such products from various companies, but you should choose them on the advice of your doctor. In complicated cases, it is recommended to purchase ointments and creams for cracked feet that have healing, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and regenerating effects. In the event of an infection, antibacterial or antifungal therapy is used, depending on the type of pathogen.

When too thick a layer of rough, dry skin spreads over large areas of the foot, retinoids and keratolytics are used. These remove dead epidermis particles and accelerate skin regeneration.

Treatment of cracks on the heels and feet

A specialist in podiatry, after a thorough examination and initial questioning of the patient, will easily be able to get an idea of the etiology and peculiarities of the pathological process.

Once the cause of cracks in the epidermis has been identified, the podiatrist should prescribe appropriate treatment to eliminate the provoking factor. This is called aetiotropic therapy because it involves treating the underlying cause of the pathology. Sometimes additional consultations with related specialists are required at this stage.

Then the doctor begins the foot treatment, which does not involve steam or water baths, but is based on the use of special preparations to soften the skin. Thanks to these preparations, the specialist can accurately assess the thickness of the stratum corneum and remove excess tissue. Cracks are treated with special care, smoothing the edges of the defect and creating an even, uniform foot surface. It is important to choose the right cutters and grinding parameters so as not to traumatize the already painful epidermis.

An important step in treatment is the use of special therapeutic preparations that can be applied to the skin crack in the form of ointments or compresses. In addition, the use of special foot plasters is often justified.

In any case, the doctor will fully inform the patient about the principles of home care and recommend appropriate professional cosmetics to eliminate the cracks that have already appeared and prevent the formation of new defects.

The treatment process can be imagined as follows: Sequence of phases:

1. Identification of the cause.
2. Elimination/removal of the crack. For thin skin: with mechanical treatment (from 10 minutes). For thick skin (removal of hyperkeratosis, cracked skin using devices) – from 15 minutes.
3. If necessary, apply a compress or bandage.
4. If necessary, apply foot plasters or other protective measures.
5. Recommendations for care or treatment at home.
6. If necessary, consultation with specialists.
7. Eliminating the cause of the problem.

Prevention of epidermal cracks on the foot.

Cracks appear at a young age. Carelessness and lack of regular foot care most often lead to primary cracks in the epidermis of the feet after the age of 35, which is why people in this age group should pay special attention to the health of their feet.

Patients who are overweight, constantly wear closed-toe shoes with high heels, or exercise regularly can also be at risk.

To prevent fissures, the following preventive measures must be taken:

• Compliance with all hygiene rules (wash feet at least twice a day);
• Use of special foot care cosmetics;
• Massage feet at least twice a week to promote blood and lymph circulation;
• If necessary, additional measures to relieve pressure on the working areas of the foot (orthotics, splints, plasters);
• regularly use a fine-grain abrasive pumice stone;
• Do not wear synthetic socks;
• Treat yourself to a professional pedicure at least once a month.

By contacting a qualified professional in a timely manner, you can give your feet new freedom of movement and new life.

Cracked heels: types and causes

The location of cracks can be different. They can occur on the heels and toes as well as on the sole and metatarsals. Depending on the severity of the pathological condition, it is customary to divide all cracks into superficial cracks, which affect only the upper layers of the epidermis and are relatively easy to repair, and deep cracks, which penetrate into the structures of the dermis. The latter often cause more serious problems than a cosmetic defect. Infection can sometimes lead to the development of a generalized process up to amputation, especially in patients with diabetes.

Cracks in the thin, dry skin of the heel
example 1

The main causes of cracked heels include the following conditions and conditions:

• Inadequate skin hydration. It is a proven fact that dry, rough skin is prone to cracking. However, this condition can be caused not only by a lack of local moisture, but also by inadequate hydration. Restoring normal tissue moisture must come from within.
• Wearing uncomfortable shoes. Shoes that are too open and do not support the heel or put too much pressure on the heel can promote the formation of cracks. This problem is also common among people who often have to wear rubber shoes due to their job.
• Obesity and physical overexertion. People who are overweight, run a lot and exercise regularly, such as: B. Athletes notice a thickening of the epidermal structures of the foot over time, which is a normal protective reaction of the body to the increased load. The thickened epidermis is prone to cracks and tears in the skin.
• Endogenous factors. Cracks are not always caused by external factors. They are often caused by diseases and metabolic disorders: diabetes and other endocrine disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, skin diseases, etc.
• Fungal infestation. Tinea pedis, a relatively common foot skin problem, can lead to hyperkeratosis (thickening of the stratum corneum), which, as already mentioned, contributes to the formation of cracks in the tissue.
• Hyperhidrosis. Increased sweating is the perfect backdrop for epidermal imperfections such as cracks, especially between the toes.

Cases of cracked heels from practice

Unlike many pathological conditions, skin tears are unable to repair themselves and, if not professionally corrected, can continue to worsen. Such a development is associated with complications for those affected, which not only manifest themselves in severe discomfort when walking, but can also result in the development of an infection of a bacterial, viral or fungal nature. In this case, an actively progressive inflammatory and suppurative process occurs, which can lead to extremely unpleasant consequences.

Don't know how to treat a cracked heel? You need to consult a podiatrist. By contacting a hardware pedicure clinic, you will receive expert advice about the possible causes of this condition and the necessary recommendations for the prevention and prevention of cracked heels. The specialist then carries out the shoeing foot treatment, which is carried out using special cutters and hand tools. The podiatrist removes the hyperkeratosis, treats the edges of the crack and, if the crack is very deep and bleeds, develops the wound area accordingly. Professional podiatric plasters can be used to relieve pressure and protect a deep tear or laceration. The whole procedure takes about 20-30 minutes, after which the client forgets about the pain and discomfort and returns to his normal routine.

Remember that cracks in the epidermis on the feet are much easier to prevent than to eliminate once and for all. Regular visits to the foot care practice and a competent medical pedicure ensure the health of your feet, regardless of stress and external factors.

Prices for the services:

*The cost of the treatment depends on the amount of work involved.
The exact costs will be determined by the specialist after an examination.

Some factors that can cause cracked heels:

Cracked heels can be caused by more than just wearing unsuitable shoes and drying out the top layer of skin. Sometimes they are also a symptom of certain dermatological diseases, metabolic disorders, endocrine and systemic abnormalities. In such a situation, appropriate diagnosis is required, followed by treatment, which should be prescribed by a doctor. In some cases, medical tests and examinations are also recommended.

• Flat feet, heel spurs and traumatic foot deformities;
• stomach ulcers;
• hypovitaminosis (vitamins A, E, minerals and zinc);
• fungal skin infections;
• dermatological diseases;
• Diabetes;
• hypothyroidism (thyroid dysfunction);
• Increased estrogen levels relative to progesterone levels;
• Lack of proteins in the body, on which the elasticity of the skin depends.

Factors affecting the condition of the skin on the feet

The following diseases can worsen the condition of the skin on the feet Conditions:

1. Walking barefoot for longer periods of time on flat, hard surfaces.
2. Prolonged standing on your feet.
3. Very high heels or thin soles, which gradually lead to a loss of plantar fat pads and increase pressure on the toes.
4. Excessive body weight.
5. pregnancy and breastfeeding.

If you can't figure out the cause of cracked heels on your own, it's best to see a dermatologist or podiatrist. The doctor will help find out the possible causes of the patient's problem and recommend treatment methods for the underlying disease and its consequences - cracked heels. Sometimes the doctor also recommends an appointment with another specialist for further advice and diagnosis.

Therapy often includes a special medical pedicure, as well as various moisturizing ointments, medicated ointments and healing creams to care for the dry and rough skin of the feet. You may be recommended to take vitamins to compensate for any deficiencies. It is worth following all the doctor's recommendations in order to get rid of the unpleasant symptoms as quickly as possible.

Home remedies for cracked heels

The simplest and most accessible folk method is a foot bath with a small amount of baking soda, soap and 2-3 drops of lavender, tea tree, lemon or eucalyptus essential oil. The treatment lasts 10-15 minutes. You can then clean your feet with a peeling. For sanding, use a pumice stone, a special file or a roller, but dry the skin beforehand.

Massages with olive, shea butter or coconut oil moisturize and regenerate the skin. You can use one oil or prepare a mixture of several oils. Rub the oil into problem areas, apply another layer after the oil is absorbed and put on thin natural socks. Steam your feet before use to remove dead cells.

Bathing and scrubbing 2-3 times a week helps eliminate dryness and shallow cracks and prevent cracked heels.

How to avoid cracked heels

To avoid dry skin on your feet, you should:

• Treat scratches, blisters on the feet and other skin abnormalities in a timely manner with topical antiseptics;
• Follow hygiene rules to prevent thickening of the dermis;
• Avoid walking barefoot in public places to avoid fungal infections;
• Avoid trauma to lower legs and feet;
• Moisturizing to prevent moisture loss in the epidermis and flaky skin;
• Treating the feet with preparations to reduce hyperhidrosis, if necessary; wearing orthopedic shoes; Using special orthoses for flat feet;
• Eat a balanced diet – eggs, milk, liver, carrots, apples, pumpkin are good for skin health;
• Take vitamins twice a year to strengthen the body's defenses;
• Avoid unhealthy habits, especially for diabetics and people with vascular diseases;
• Regular hygienic pedicures in the salon and use of moisturizers;
• Wear high-quality, comfortable footwear made from natural materials. Flat-soled shoes and high heels are equally damaging to your feet, and the load should be distributed evenly across the entire foot.

If you follow these simple rules, you will always have smooth heels and no foot problems.

First pain relief

Answer. The severity of the pain can vary. It depends on the type, severity and number of fractures.

It is extremely rare that they are just light. Most of the time, leg pain from ankle, tarsal and metatarsal fractures is severe and very severe.

For some people, they are so unbearable that they feel dizzy, have difficulty breathing, and sometimes faint. Loss of consciousness due to pain shock cannot be ruled out.

Initial treatment of limb injuries and bone fractures

After any injury (bruise, torn ligament, sprain, fracture), the pain should be treated as quickly as possible. To do this, take 2 aspirin tablets or, better yet, a shock dose of another nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (ketorolac, diclofenac, meloxicam, nimesulide). Children are given ibuprofen tablets or syrup.

A cold compress should then be placed on the fracture site. This can be a hot water bottle or an ice pack.

If this is not possible, you can take a bag of frozen vegetables (berries) out of the freezer. First aid instructions warn against 'freezing' the injured area for 20 minutes and then resting for the same amount of time.

In the case of open fractures, one should not forego 'primary freezing'. After stopping the bleeding and treating the wound with antiseptic treatment while the ambulance is on the way, place some cold objects around the injured area.

Warning. In older and elderly people, the pain following an ankle or ankle fracture can trigger a hypertensive crisis. You are recommended to take 2 tablets of Cardiomagnetil or Cardio-aspirin after the injury and to relieve the pressure with a tablet of Captopril (25 mg) placed under the tongue.

This not only relieves pain, but also stops the development of edema and prevents the overflow of a large hematoma, allowing the doctor to accurately place the bone fragments with as little effort as possible. In addition, it has been observed that ice packs applied immediately after a fracture allow primary callus formation in the time intended by nature.

Duration of wearing the plaster cast

Upon arrival at the hospital, the doctor must administer an anesthetic injection before sending the injured person for an X-ray examination. Which anesthetic is injected depends on the type and severity of the fracture.

Before manual repositioning of bone fragments, anesthesia is usually not repeated. However, local or general anesthesia is administered for insertion of a distraction device or intramedullary osteosynthesis.

The pain in the legs after an ankle, foot or big toe fracture is then controlled for 3-7 days. As a rule, these are tablets or injections of the above-mentioned non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and aspirin tablets.

These can be opioids or the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs mentioned above plus aspirin tablets.

After a week, analgesic pharmacotherapy is discontinued. At this point, the inflammation has subsided and the pain is an indication to the doctor that something is wrong with the body.

Prevention of swelling prevents pain from occurring

Once the painkillers or injections are stopped, the pain is prevented by daily immobilization exercises and frequent lying with the foot raised above the knee (see photo above).

By the way. If you have an ankle and/or foot fracture, we recommend that you perform isometric exercises for the shoulder girdle and right leg. These static stretches help relax the muscles blocked by the crutches and relieve crepitus.

After bone injuries in the foot and ankle, you should perform physical therapy one day after immobilizing the fractures. Typically, you start with a 10-15 minute exercise program that you perform 8-10 times per day. Gradually the time per session is increased and the number of sessions per day is reduced.

clinical picture

Cracks can occur in the heels, metatarsals, between the toes, in natural creases, etc. Lesions on the sole of the foot cause the most discomfort as they make walking difficult due to the pain.

When inflammation develops, pain is accompanied by the following symptoms:

Based on the clinical picture, the doctor makes a conclusion about the origin of the fissures at the first visit and prescribes treatment (if necessary).

Photos before and after treatment

Treatment

Treatment for a cracked foot occurs according to one of the following scenarios

1. Topical treatment with anti-inflammatory, wound-healing agents (creams, ointments);
2. Antifungal drugs (if visual and instrumental examination reveals a fungal infection);
3. comprehensive treatment.

If the problem is related to a dysfunction of an internal organ, the focus should be on treating the underlying disease. In order to make an accurate diagnosis and identify all the causes of skin deterioration, consultation with a specialist is often required. In this regard, the treatment by our podiatrist is secondary and is aimed at eliminating the external manifestations of the pathology.

To avoid the recurrence of cracked feet, it is advisable to maintain good personal hygiene, select footwear according to size and fullness, and have regular medical foot care performed by a qualified professional using professional equipment. In our clinic we use the following devices PODOLOG NOVA 2. It is a low-noise device that allows the foot to be treated gently and safely without fear of consequences such as infections, etc.

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