Edema is a condition commonly known as water weight. Fluid builds up in your lower extremities and causes swelling and even skin cracking. Diabetics and those suffering hypothyroidism are most likely to develop cracked heels from edema, according to the New Zealand Dermatological Society. To effectively treat this condition and eliminate cracked heels, you must visit your doctor regularly to ensure that you have reduced fluid retention. If this is not under control, cracking of your skin can worsen--and all efforts to heal your feet will be in vain.
Step 1
Apply an over-the-counter foot balm to soothe your feet and help heal cracks. Foot balms contain ingredients that boost moisture retaining properties in your skin while helping shed the dead skin layers, the New Zealand Dermatological Society says. Apply the balm two to three times daily as part of your natural skin care routine.
Step 2
Wear proper footwear to prevent additional pressure from causing new cracks to form. Backed shoes allow your swollen feet to take on additional weight and spreads the skin with each step, according to ePodiatry.com. This in turn worsens and creates new cracks. Closed back shoes or shoe cups are better-suited for cracked heels.
Step 3
Apply pressure bandages to your feet and legs. Bandaging your heels will prevent skin movement and allow your heels to heal. The added pressure will also help with fluid retention of your ankles and calves, according to the New Zealand Dermatological Society.
Step 4
Visit your podiatrist for a treatment known as debriding--the process of removing the thickened layers of cracked skin on your heels. The heels will not heal properly if you don't remove that skin, according to ePodiatry.com.
Step 5
Consult your podiatrist to seal cracks with a special glue. This allows the cracks to heal without promoting further damage, according to the New Zealand Dermatological Society. Doctors don't perform this procedure in all cases.
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