Cracked heels (also known as heel fissures) is a common and uncomfortable foot condition. Patched dry and thickened skin causes the heel to crack and forms calluses around the edge of the heel. Not only does this impact the aesthetics of your feet, but it can also lead to infections.
Moreover, dry cracked heels can be uncomfortable or even cause pain when you walk or stand. Treating cracked heels can be done at home, but more serious cases will require professional help.
Heavenly Foot Care is a mobile podiatry service that specializes in cracked heels treatment. Contact our friendly staff today to book an appointment.
What Causes Cracked Heels?
Our feet are constantly under pressure while holding up our bodies. Pressure and weight distribution cause the skin to stretch. Dry skin isn’t as elastic, therefore is more vulnerable to cracking.
While there isn’t a single cause of cracked heels, almost all cases are related to dry skin. There are many conditions that cause dry skin such as:
- Obesity
- Eczema
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
- Dermatosis
- Juvenile Plantar
- Athlete’s Foot
Standing on hard surfaces or wearing ill-fitted shoes can also cause dry cracked heels. Though cracked heels are usually not a serious condition, treating them can be quite tricky. Many people who experience cracked heels think that applying lotion will make the symptoms go away. However, if infection like Athlete’s foot is causing the dryness, a more thorough treatment is needed.
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that causes dry itchy skin typically around the toes and heels. The fungus thrives in dark moist areas, so people who visit public showers and locker rooms are more vulnerable to become infected.
What Are The Symptoms Of Cracked Heels
Other than cracking skin, here are some of the other common symptoms of cracked heels:
- Itchy/irritated skin
- Flaky skin
- Severe pain & discomfort
- Inflammation around the heels
- Bleeding
- Ulcers
Cracked Heels Prevention
Shoes and footwear are a great place to start when trying to prevent cracked heels. If you have a condition that puts at more risk for cracked heels, find shoes that are comfortable and provide additional heel support.
Here are some shoes you should avoid:
- Thongs & sandals
- Open heel shoes
- High-heels
- Tight shoes
Also, avoid standing on hard surfaces for extending periods of time. You should inspect your feet regularly to check for any abnormalities. If you notice the skin around your heels is dry or cracking, you might want to apply some moisturizer to see if it helps.
How An Advanced Foot Care Specialist Can Help Treat Cracked Heels
If you’re experiencing cracked heels, your advanced Foot Care specialist can help. They can properly assess your condition and recommend the best treatment option. Usually, the podiatrist will start by removing the dry thickened skin from the affected area.
Your podiatrist may use an antiseptic liquid if your cracks are deep and have been infected. They can also recommend proper shoes and footwear to make your condition more comfortable.
Some treatments can be done in just a few visits, but more serious cases may require regular visits. The best way to find out is to contact your foot care specialist so they can examine your feet and determine what’s causing your heels to crack.
Advanced Foot Care Specialists are feet experts, so whenever you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, they will be able to get you moving again.
Reach Out To The Friendly Heavenly Foot Care Team Today!
Crack heels got you down? Reach out the Heavenly Foot Care team today! We can send a professional advanced Foot Care specialist right to your home. To schedule an appointment, call (905) 931-9965 or email sherri@heavenlyfootcare.ca.