Dry, Cracked Heels?

May 6th, 2011

So many of us suffer from dry, cracked heels and callouses.  With summer rapidly approaching (on the calendar if not outside!) we take out our sandals and strip off our socks to find rough, ugly heels that just don't go away with regular lotions and scrubbing with a pumice stone.  Here's some tips on what you can do at home that will work to make your feet healthy and beautiful.


Here's this month's tips to smooth, crack-free heels all summer long!


Dry out your feet.  It may be exactly the opposite of what you might think to do, but most of the time dry, cracked heels are caused by moisture and friction.  So, you will want to dry out those feet.  Change your socks numerous times throughout the day and wear a well-ventilated shoe that fits!  

Wash and dry between your toes with a towel, or by drawing pieces of gauze between each toe.  Use a mild ph balanced soap and rinse well.  Ask for assistance if you can't reach well!

Apply a lotion such as Galaxal Base lotion (found at most pharmacies) and ask your pharmacist to mix it with 15-25% urea.  Apply this well at least once a day, avoiding between the toes.  See us at Sole 2 Sole foot clinic for more direction. 

Apply an antibacterial ointment (such as polysporin) to any deep cracks.

Wear a cotton night sock when sleeping (unless you are at risk for falling at night).

If these tips and tricks don't help solve the problem, see your foot care nurse or doctor for further advice and assistance.  

Basic Foot Care- The Basics

"Health Prevention for Feet of All Ages"

Here it is!  The list!


                      Basic Foot Care

1. Wash and dry between your toes every day.
2. Clean under your nails often.
3. Trim nails leaving 2mm of white, straight across with prominent corners.
4. Reduce callouses with a pumice stone-GENTLY
5. Moisturize daily- no cream between toes for diabetics!!!

If there is pain, discomfort, broken skin, odour, discoloured or
         ingrown nails or any foot deformity-STOP! 

 See your local foot nurse or doctor for direction and care.

        

Basic Foot Care- Local Resources

   "HEALTH PREVENTION FOR FEET OF ALL AGES"

                               Sole 2 Sole Foot Clinic

                    Williams Lake Seniors Village complex

                                   (open to the public)

                                                     Wed-Fridays  0830-1200

      • We offer professional assessment of your footwear and socks.

      • Professional, medical assessment of your nails, feet and legs by trained RN and

         LPN with specialized post-basic training in foot care and diabetes education.

      • Assessment and management of low to moderate risk feet as determined by a risk

         assessment.

       •Professional management and reduction of calluses and corns, thickened and fungal

         nails as well treatment options for ingrown nails. 

                                           Referrals provided as required.

                      

You can find me in two places....              

Sole 2 Sole Foot Clinic: Wedesdays-Fridays.
Mobile: Goes to client's home or community center.             

Phone: 250-855-9898 or 250-989-1060
email: twohappyfeetfootcare@yahoo.ca
Fax: 250-989-1070

                                                             Drop- Ins Welcome!