February 2026

Cracked heels occur when the skin around the heel becomes excessively dry and thick, then splits. The heels may look rough, or yellowed, with visible lines or deep fissures that can sometimes bleed. The skin often feels tight and itchy, especially when standing or walking for long periods. Causes include dry weather, prolonged standing, and certain medical conditions like diabetes or skin disorders. A podiatrist can help from the start by accurately diagnosing the severity of the cracks and identifying contributing factors. Early treatment may include safe debridement of thickened skin, prescription moisturizers, and infection prevention. Care can then progress into customized treatment plans, footwear recommendations, and long-term skin care education to prevent recurrence. Proper foot care can improve comfort and restore skin health. If you are dealing with painful cracked heels, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

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 doctors from Texas. 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 office located in Port Neches, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken toe is a fracture in one of the small bones of the toe, often caused by trauma, prolonged repetitive movements, weakened bones, or wearing improper shoes that do not provide adequate protection. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, changes in skin color, and visible deformity of the affected toe. Ignoring a broken toe can lead to chronic pain, difficulty walking, and long- term joint issues. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose the fracture through physical examination and imaging, provide proper stabilization, recommend pain management, and guide rehabilitation to restore normal function. If you think you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our doctors from Texas. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Port Neches, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, occur when the inner arch of the foot collapses, causing the entire sole to make contact with the ground. There are two main types of flat feet, structural and functional. Structural flat feet are caused by bone or joint abnormalities present at birth or developed over time, resulting in permanent arch collapse. Functional flat feet occur when the arch appears normal while non-weight-bearing, but flattens during standing or walking due to ligament laxity or muscle weakness. Symptoms include foot fatigue, pain in the arch or heel, and difficulty with prolonged activity. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, recommend supportive footwear, provide custom orthotics, and design strengthening exercises to restore proper alignment. If you have flat feet, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our doctors from Texas. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Neutral and stability running shoes are designed to support different foot types and running mechanics. Neutral running shoes provide even cushioning across the midsole and feature a flexible construction that allows the foot to move naturally, making them ideal for runners with a normal arch and minimal pronation. Stability running shoes, on the other hand, offer a firmer foam on the inner side of the midsole, structured sidewalls, and a broader base to improve balance and control overpronation. Choosing the correct shoe reduces injury risk and improves running efficiency. A podiatrist can evaluate your gait, recommend the most suitable shoe type, and provide custom orthotics, if necessary. If you have developed foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on the correct running shoes to wear.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with one of our doctors from Texas. Our doctors can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

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