Cracked heels can be caused by a number of things, including dry skin, prolonged standing, skin infections, wearing open-back shoes, and certain medical diseases such as diabetes or thyroid issues.
It’s important to maintain the skin of your heels moisturised to avoid cracked heels. Applying a heavy moisturiser or emollient on a regular basis can help soften the skin and prevent dryness. It’s also essential to avoid going barefoot or wearing shoes that don’t provide adequate support, as both of these can contribute to heel cracking.
Gentle exfoliation with a pumice stone or foot scrub can eliminate dead skin cells and produce smoother heels. Finally, staying hydrated by drinking enough of water and eating a nutritious diet might help to improve your overall health.
How does the structure of the skin on our heels contribute to the formation of cracks?
The skin on our heels is naturally thicker than the skin on the rest of our bodies. This thicker skin, known as callus, serves as a protective barrier to our heels, allowing them to endure the pressure and friction that they are subjected to on a daily basis. However, when the skin becomes very dry or dehydrated, it loses smoothness and becomes prone to cracking. The weight-bearing aspect of our heels, combined with variables such as prolonged sitting or standing, might exacerbate the problem.
Additionally, ageing, genetics, and medical disorders can all change the structure of the skin, leaving it more prone to cracking. To avoid further issues, practise regular foot care and address any signs of dryness or cracking as soon as possible.
Causes of cracked hells
While dry skin and a lack of moisture are major causes of cracked heels, some underlying health concerns might raise the risk. Diabetes is one such ailment. Diabetes patients frequently have impaired blood circulation and nerve damage in their feet, which can result in dry skin and decreased sweat production. This combination of variables might cause the skin of the heels to crack. Thyroid issues, psoriasis, eczema, and fungal infections are all medical conditions that can lead to cracked heels.
Certain lifestyle choices and footwear can also worsen the issue of cracked heels such as:
Walking barefoot is a common cause, especially on hard surfaces like concrete or tile floors. This can cause excessive friction and strain on your heels, resulting in dryness and cracking.
High heels and open-back shoes, such as flip-flops or sandals, can also contribute to cracked heels by causing your feet to slide forwards, putting pressure on your heels.
Other than that, being overweight or obese can put additional strain on your feet, leading to cracks and other foot disorders.
Any of these conditions can result in heel cracking through increasing dryness, irritation, or excessive skin growth. Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a well-balanced diet helps reduce the likelihood of cracked heels. If you have a medical issue that impacts your skin or foot condition, it is vital to consult with a medical specialist, such as a podiatrist, to properly manage and treat the disease.
Prevention and hygiene practices
Proper foot hygiene counts for the prevention and management of cracked heels.
Begin by washing your feet everyday with warm water and a gentle soap, being sure to clean between your toes and around your heels.
After washing, gently pat your feet dry, paying special attention to the areas between your toes, since excess moisture can cause skin problems.
Avoid soaking your feet for long periods of time, as this can strip away natural oils and further dry out your skin.
Exfoliating your feet on a regular basis using a pumice stone or foot scrub will help remove dead skin cells and prevent the growth of calluses, which can lead to cracking.
Moisturising your feet everyday with a heavy moisturiser or foot cream to keep the skin nourished and supple.
Wearing clean, airy socks and replacing them on a regular basis can also help prevent excessive perspiration and preserve foot hygiene.
Finally, choose shoes with enough support and cushioning and avoid wearing ill-fitting or tight shoes, which can cause friction and strain on the heels.
By applying these basic foot hygiene practises into your everyday routine, you can maintain your heels healthy and reduce the risk of cracking. Cracked heels are a common and inconvenient foot problem, but they may be efficiently prevented and treated with careful care and attention.
Effective home remedies for cracked heels
When it comes to treating cracked heels at home, there are a number of viable options.
To soften the skin, one popular way is to bathe your feet in warm water for around 15-20 minutes.
After soaking, use a pumice stone or foot file to gently exfoliate the heels to remove any dead skin. This can aid in the smoothing of the heels and the appearance of fissures.
When the feet are completely dry, use a thick moisturiser or foot lotion, look for moisturisers designed specifically for dry, cracked skin, preferably ones containing urea, lactic acid, shea butter, or coconut oil. These moisturisers help moisturise and soften the skin, increasing suppleness of the skin.
Wear a pair of moisturising socks overnight to trap in moisture for an added boost of recovery.
It is necessary to practise this routine on a regular basis if you want to see noticeable improvements in the state of your damaged heels. However, if your heels are severely cracked, painful, or are not responding to home cures, you should seek expert treatment from a podiatrist.
How can a podiatrist help with serious or ongoing cracked heels?
If you have severe or persistent cracked heels that do not seem to improve with home cures, you should consult a podiatrist. A podiatrist is a foot specialist who can assess the underlying causes of your cracked heels and treat them effectively. To determine the main cause of the problem, they may undertake a comprehensive examination of your feet, examine your gait, and enquire about your medical history. A podiatrist may offer a variety of treatment methods depending on the severity of your issue.
Prescription-strength moisturisers or lotions, bespoke orthotics to support the foot, debridement of thicker skin, and, in some situations, small surgical operations are examples of these. A podiatrist can also advise you on proper foot care practises, recommend appropriate footwear, and assist you in developing a long-term plan to properly manage and prevent cracked heels.
At Hurst Podiatry
We can provide thorough care for your cracked heels, whether it’s by giving medicine, recommending special moisturisers or lotions, or doing operations like debridement. We can also provide useful advise on foot hygiene, footwear selection, and activities to keep your heels healthy in the long run.
While home remedies and lifestyle changes can assist with minor cases of cracked heels, severe or persistent disorders should be treated by a medical professional. This is when a podiatrist’s expertise, such as Hurst Podiatry, comes into play. Our experience podiatrist can evaluate the underlying reasons of cracked heels and give personalised treatments to help with healing and prevent a recurrence using our specialised knowledge and experience.
Remember that healthy and crack-free heels are important not just for looks but also for overall foot health and comfort. So, don’t be afraid to contact us for expert advice and personalised care to keep your heels happy, smooth, and pain-free.
