Cracked heels, or heel fissures, can be very painful and may cause discomfort while standing, walking or during exercise. Cracked heels are not dangerous at first--ignore them and they may crack, bleed and cause infection. Preventive care and treatment will help restore moisture in dried heels and return them to a healthy state.
Identification and Symptoms
Cracked heels can either appear directly underneath the heel of the foot or on the side of the heel. Cracks in the heels appear as tiny slits or cuts. As the condition worsens, the cuts become deeper and are sensitive to pressure while standing or walking. Dry or peeling skin is common with cracked heels, and the surrounding area may become itchy, dry, red or flaky.
Causes
Naturally dry skin, dry feet and a lack of moisture in the air contribute to the development of cracked heels. Excess weight places pressure on the feet causing the heel's padding to expand sideways, resulting in stretched skin and cracked heels. Tight shoes, open back shoes and improper gait can lead to cracked heels. People with diabetes or who have an underactive thyroid are susceptible to dry skin and cracked heels.
Home Treatment and Pedicures
Home treatment can treat and help prevent cracked heels. Soaking feet in water or taking a bath before going to bed helps loosen up the dry and cracked skin on the heels. Use a pumice stone after the bath to file down and remove dry skin. A foot cream or a moisturizer should be applied to the feet after the filing; the feet will be clean and ready to absorb the moisture. Avoid using lotion--lotion typically contains alcohol and may dry out the heels or lead to infection. For maximum absorption, apply the cream, then wear thick socks to bed. Regular pedicures can help treat cracked heels. A pedicurist will soak, file and moisturize your feet. Bring socks to wear after the pedicure and avoid exposing your feet to natural elements and irritants after the treatment. A home humidifier can reduce dry air and help cracked heels.
Medical Treament
Contact a podiatrist if the home treatment does not cure the cracked heels or if the cracks start to bleed (which may cause infection). A podiatrist or doctor can prescribe foot creams or medications that will alleviate symptoms and treat cracked heels. Wrapping the feet or placing straps on the heels may be necessary for advanced stages of cracked heels.
Preventive Treatment
If you are prone to cracked heels, follow the home treatment on a regular basis--regardless of the current state of your heels. Shoe inserts can prevent friction or heel rubbing that may lead to cracked heels.
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