Cracked heels, also called heel fissures, can be very painful and may even bleed. Once you develop heel fissures, you may find standing and walking to be difficult, and the condition may take a long time to clear up. You may also be at risk for cellulitis or an abscess. The best cure for cracked heels is prevention, says DermNetNZ. Fortunately, you can prevent most cases of cracked heels by taking good care of your feet and being aware of any calluses on your heels that may lead to cracking.
Step 1
File your heels with a pumice stone while you take a bath or shower. According to DermNetNZ, some cases of heel cracking are caused by dry, thickened skin around the heel. By removing some of this thickened skin, you may prevent cracked heels.
Step 2
Apply a thick moisturizer to your heels while your feet are still damp. This will help lock in moisture, preventing your heels from getting very dry and cracking, and is recommended by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
Step 3
Put on socks if you will be wearing shoes that may rub against your heels. The back of your shoes may cause friction that can cause or exacerbate cracked heels.
Step 4
Wear supportive shoes with a back. Wearing open-backed shoes does not provide the support necessary to hold the pad of fat under your foot, and this may cause cracking, explains DermNetNZ.
Step 5
Lose weight if you are overweight or obese. Carrying excess weight can put too much pressure on the fat pad under your foot and cause cracking and splitting of the heel skin.
Things You'll Need
- Pumice stone
- Moisturizer
- Socks
- Supportive shoes
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