Cracked Heels Causes and Treatments

Cracked heels, medically known as heel fissures, are cuts found in the heel surface. If left untreated, they can split open and become deeper which can lead to pain, discomfort and infection.

Causes:

• Prolonged standing

• Dry skin and calluses are prone to cracks

• Overweight which causes high pressure on the pad of your feet

• Thick dry skin that comes through age

• Temperature – walking barefoot during summer and cold chilly winter

• Dust and dirt

• Prolonged soaking of feet in hot water

• Diseases such as psoriasis, diabetes, eczema, athlete’s foot, etc.

• Zinc, vitamins and omega-3 deficiency 

Keeping the feet healthy is essential especially for diabetics. Cracked heels can lead to cuts which can lead to infection. Diabetics are encouraged to visit a podiatrist regularly.  

Signs of cracked heels:

• Vertical lesions on the heel

• Tenderness and pain

• Hardening of the skin especially around the edges of the fissures

• Dryness and itching

Treatments that you can do at home to help lessen and heal cracked heels:

• Do not walk barefoot.

• Make sure that your feet are clean and dirt free.

• Massage your feet using coconut oil and focus on the dry areas of your heel.

• If you need to wear socks, choose cotton socks.

• Keep your feet moisturized by using one of these products:

  • Moisturizing lotion

  • Cream for cracked heels

  • Petroleum jelly

• Regular application of glycerin and rosewater mixture on your heels on a daily basis.

• Use well-fitted and comfortable shoes.

• Exfoliate your skin gently to get rid of the dead skin on your heels.

• Good circulation helps in treating cracked heels, hence, regular exercise is a must.

• Diet should include food that are rich in Vitamin E (sunflower seeds/ dried basil/ hazelnuts), Calcium (dried savory/ celery seed/ mustard greens), Omega 3 Fatty Acids (enriched dairy products/ wild rice/ canola oil), Zinc (pumpkin seeds/ lima beans/ oysters) and Iron (leafy greens/ egg yolks/ sundried tomatoes).

These treatments and remedies are for normal people who are not suffering from any other diseases. If in any case you have underlying diseases such as diabetes or eczema among others, it is best to contact your podiatrist for proper treatment.

Contact James C. Ricketti, DPM and let us address all your foot and ankle needs. Our board-certified podiatrist will tailor treatments based on your individual needs and with our state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment options, we’ll help you get back on your feet in no time! Call our office today at 609-587-1674 to make an appointment at our conveniently located Hamilton, NJ office.