Dr Mohangi Bhatt wants people to take better care of their feet.
Camera IconDr Mohangi Bhatt wants people to take better care of their feet. Credit: Supplied/Emma Goodwin

Take steps for better foot health

Staff ReporterWanneroo Times

Dr Bhatt, from Prendiville Ave Podiatry, said cracked heels were not only painful and unsightly but open wounds at real risk of infection. And with locals enjoying a beach lifestyle, wearing open shoes and exposing their heels to Perth’s dry heat, she is spotting more cases of the condition walk by her at local shopping centres.

‘Cracked heels are so common yet it so commonly goes ignored and untreated,’ she said.

‘If there was a crack like that across a hand or face it would be treated and shown to a doctor or health professional.’

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She said the consequences of neglecting feet far outweighed the small amount of time needed to care for them.

‘Your feet should be serviced regularly like a car, more often for those who suffer from issues,’ she said.

‘The deeper the crack the deeper the wound and with feet usually in open footwear over summer, they are in contact with pathogens on the ground and swept up with each stride.

‘Once bacteria makes itself at home within the heel fissure, it causes swelling, heat, redness and oozing and can travel through tissue in to the blood stream and move up the leg.’

She urged people to wear enclosed footwear when possible and moisturised and exfoliated lightly each day.

‘Dry skin or callus build up which is not moisturised will become brittle and crack with each foot step, especially in our dry hot summer climate,’ she said.

‘I can’t stress enough how important it is to maintain your foot health.’