Summer Feet - Cracked Heels
March 12, 2016 at 9:41 AM
A few weeks ago I had an SOS from a patient I hadn't seen in a couple of years. His heels were very sore, and he needed to see me ASAP!
When he arrived, I could see why! He had so much hard skin built up that he couldn't remember the last time he had sensation in his heels. One section on each heel had split open - leaving him susceptible to bacteria getting in and causing infection.
I soaked the heels in hydrogen peroxide to soften the skin (and save my hand from muscle cramps!), then debrided all of the dead skin - called hyperkeratosis. I then smoothed the skin with a podiatry grinder and dressed the splits to prevent infection.
Have a look at the difference!
It will take another couple of sessions to get these heels looking perfect, and the patient is now taking care of his feet at home with daily moisturising and weekly filing.
- HEIDI
