A MetroHealth podiatrist answers top foot care questions—from dry skin and cracked heels to broken toes.
Published April 14, 2026
Contributed by: Ryan Pivovar, DPM / Podiatry
Step Into Spring with Healthy Feet
Spring is here, and it’s time to put away our winter socks and boots. Before slipping into sandals, giving your feet some extra care can make a big difference.
We talked with MetroHealth podiatrist Ryan Pivovar, DPM, about common foot concerns and when it’s time to see a specialist.
Start with the Basics: Caring for Dry Skin
Good foot care starts with simple daily habits. Wash your feet often and dry them well, especially between your toes. Use an over-the-counter foot lotion every day. A pumice stone used in the shower can help gently remove dead skin and prevent thick buildup.
If you’re healthy, foot files and foot peels are usually safe. Be sure to follow the directions and avoid scrubbing too hard so you don’t damage healthy skin.
If you’re healthy, Dr. Pivovar says these ingredients can help:
- Ammonium lactate
- Lactic acid
- Salicylic acid (stronger—use with care)
- Urea
“If you’re older, have diabetes or poor circulation, don’t be too aggressive,” Dr. Pivovar says. “See a foot specialist before trying to treat it on your own.”
Treating Cracked Heels
“Heels have thick skin to protect your feet. But once that skin cracks, bleeds or hurts, infection can happen,” Dr. Pivovar says.
Using an antibiotic ointment on heel cracks can help keep the skin soft and moist. It also lowers the risk of infection since bacteria can enter through open cracks.
Keeping your toenails trimmed is also important. Cutting toenails straight across can help prevent ingrown nails. For some people, gently filing the corners works better than cutting at an angle.
Nail Care and Pedicures
When it comes to nail polish, less is more.
Gel polish needs UV light to harden and can make nails weak or damaged over time. Regular polish is typically a safer choice.
“Many problems I see from pedicures happen when polish is left on too long. People often let it grow out and then reapply right away,” Dr. Pivovar says.
Even regular polish should be removed often. Take breaks between pedicures so your nails can rest. This also gives you time to check for color changes, thick nails or other problems.
Choose Footwear Wisely
Flip flops are fine for short trips or for pools and locker rooms, where they protect your feet from germs. But wearing them all day can lead to heel and foot pain. For long days on your feet—like a trip to Cedar Point—supportive athletic shoes are a better choice.
Walking barefoot indoors for short periods is usually OK. Outside, shoes protect your feet from cuts, scrapes and sharp objects. Water shoes can also keep your feet safe from rocks and help prevent slips and falls. Healthy adults are at lower risk, but kids and older adults should wear footwear even at home.
Treating a Broken Toe
Many people break a toe and don’t always realize it right away. In many cases, a broken toe simply needs time to heal. Wearing supportive shoes can help protect it while it recovers.
However, if the toe looks crooked, is very painful or causes trouble walking, it should be checked. Ongoing pain, swelling or trouble moving the toe are signs you should see a specialist.
Step Comfortably Into the Season
Foot care doesn’t have to be hard. A few simple habits, the right shoes and paying attention to changes can help keep your feet healthy all spring and summer.
Foot pain or changes that don’t seem right?
A MetroHealth podiatrist can help find the cause and keep you moving comfortably. Call 216-778-2457 or visit metrohealth.org/podiatry to schedule an appointment.
The MetroHealth Advantage
When to Call a Podiatrist
- Discoloration or redness, which could be a sign of infection or gout
- A puncture or injury from stepping on something sharp
- New or changing thick skin, especially if it appears red, black, purple or dark
- Sudden foot pain or pain that doesn’t improve
- A toenail that looks different without a clear reason
People at higher-risk—such as adults who are older, have diabetes or smoke—should also watch for changes like pale or thinning skin, cold toes or color changes in the feet and seek care quickly.
MetroHealth podiatrists provide expert foot and ankle care and work closely with your care team to keep you healthy and comfortable. Appointments are available at many convenient locations throughout the community.
MetroHealth provides podiatry services at the following locations:
Your Questions Answered
Q. What Are the Best Sandals For Your Feet?
A. Look for sandals with good arch support. Very flat sandals can cause pain over time. A supportive sandal should have a shaped heel cup and a back strap that helps hold your foot in place.
Q. What Is the Best Way to Remove a Splinter from Your Foot?
A. Start by cleaning the area with soap and water. Don’t use hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol on your skin, but you can use alcohol to clean tweezers.
If the splinter is easy to see and reach, gently remove it with tweezers. If it’s small, not painful or too deep, it may be OK to leave it alone. Your body can sometimes push it out on its own. Soaking your foot can also help.
Q. What Kills Toenail Fungus Instantly?
A. There isn’t a quick, instant fix for toenail fungus. If you think you have it, see a provider. Some nail problems look like fungus but have other causes.
Mild cases may improve with home treatments like tea tree oil or mentholated ointments. Stronger infections may need prescription medication.
