What Are Cracked Heels A Symptom Of?

Cracked heels begin with the development of corns or calluses on the heel of the foot. Once this occurs, the skin on the foot dries out and cracks. Most of the time the cracking is only unsightly; however, it can cause discomfort and pain. Cracked heels may be a symptom of skin disorders or diabetes, or may be the result of standing for long periods of time or wearing open-back shoes.

Corns and Calluses

If your skin is dry and thick with surface fissures, you may have calluses or corns caused by excessive rubbing or force applied to the skin. According to DermNet NZ, corns and calluses lead to dry, thickened skin at the heel of the foot. MayoClinic.com notes that corns and calluses are actually tough layers of skin that form to protect the soft skin underneath.

Psoriasis

If you are experiencing cracked heels, examine your heels to see if there is a build up of skin cells or if the skin appears scaly. If so, you may have psoriasis, which may need medical treatment. According to Skin Care Physicians, psoriasis occurs when skin cells multiply and the body is not able to shed them efficiently. This leads to an accumulation of skin.

Diabetes

If you notice that you are developing cracks on the heels, and you are sweating less than you may have diabetes. Epodiatry.com states that those who suffer from diabetes often sweat less due to autonomic neuropathy. Sweating less results in dryer skin, which does not allow for expansion, and cracked heels begin to occur. Additionally, if your cracked heels are accompanied by the formation of rigid skin, this may also be a symptom of diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, when the glycation end products increase so do side effects related to diabetes. This is because these sugar-derived products build up within the body as a result of the way glucose reacts to the body's proteins.

Standing

Cracked heels may be a sign that you are spending too much time on your feet, especially on hard surfaces. Epodiatry.com notes that continual pressure from standing causes the fat pad on the heel of your foot to expand. When the fat pad expands, dry skin develops cracks and tears. This is because the skin was not supple and did not expand with the fat pad.

Open Back Shoes

If you notice cracks forming in the heel of the foot, it could be because of your footwear. According to DermNet NZ, an open-backed shoe is unable to keep the fat pad securely under the foot. Instead, the fat pad moves and increases in size, which leads to symptoms such as cracked heels. The best way to prevent this problem is to wear closed-back shoes that support your foot.