Cracked heels occur when the skin on the heel becomes dry, thick, and unable to stretch, leading to painful splits that can widen and deepen over time. The heel may look rough, flaky, or yellowed, and, in more severe cases, the cracks may appear red or inflamed. It may feel sore, tight, or sharp with each step, and standing for long periods of time can increase discomfort. Common causes include dry skin, wearing ill-fitting footwear, prolonged barefoot walking, obesity, and underlying conditions like eczema or diabetes. A podiatrist can begin by assessing the severity of the cracks, checking for infection, and identifying any mechanical issues that contribute to excess pressure on the heels. Treatment options include gentle debridement of thick skin, moisturizing therapies, advice on proper footwear, and guidance on long-term skin care routines. Because early care can prevent worsening and support healthy skin recovery, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for 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 Elie C. Daniel, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor 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 Princeton, Peru, and Mendota, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toenail fungus develops when fungi enter the nail through small openings in the skin, and certain factors increase the risk of this happening. Tight shoes that place ongoing pressure on the toenails and walking barefoot in warm, damp areas like pools or locker rooms increase exposure to fungal organisms. Repeated nail damage from sports or rubbing inside shoes also creates openings where fungus can grow. People with circulation problems in the feet, including long-term vascular issues, have a higher risk because the body has a harder time fighting infections in the toes. Constant moisture around the toenails, artificial nails on the toes, and skin conditions that affect the nail surface can also increase vulnerability. A podiatrist can assess nail discoloration, thickening, or shape changes and provide the appropriate treatment, including surgery when needed. If you have toenails that have changed in appearance, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

For more information about treatment, contact Elie C. Daniel, DPM of Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Princeton, Peru, and Mendota, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, often caused by genetics, improper footwear, arthritis, or abnormal foot mechanics. They may look like a bump on the side of the foot, and the area can be red, swollen, or callused from friction. Many individuals experience severe pain, difficulty wearing shoes, and decreased activity levels due to discomfort while walking or standing. Bunions affect women more frequently than men, partly due to high-heeled or narrow shoes that place additional pressure on the joint. A podiatrist can start by evaluating the severity of the bunion, assessing foot structure, and discussing nonsurgical options, such as orthotics, padding, or footwear modifications. When conservative measures are insufficient, surgical correction may be recommended to realign the joint and relieve pain. Post surgery, a structured recovery plan and targeted exercises support optimal healing and restored mobility. If bunion pain limits your daily activities, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Elie C. Daniel, DPM of Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Princeton, Peru, and Mendota, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ingrown toenail develops when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, often leading to pain, redness, and infection. When the problem becomes persistent or severe, a podiatrist can perform a minor procedure to remove part or all of the ingrown toenail. The procedure is typically done under local anesthesia to keep the area numb. Depending on the severity, a podiatrist may perform either a partial or a total nail removal. A partial removal, called a wedge excision, is designed to eliminate the part causing irritation, where a total removal affects the entire nail. In some cases, a podiatrist may apply a chemical or use heat to prevent the problematic part of the nail from regrowing. After surgery, proper wound care and footwear that allows adequate toe space are important to help healing and prevent recurrence. If you have a problematic ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Elie C. Daniel, DPM of Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Princeton, Peru, and Mendota, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.