Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, occur when the skin on the heels becomes dry, thickened, and splits open. These fissures can be caused by prolonged standing, wearing ill-fitting shoes, obesity, and skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Risk factors include aging, diabetes, and poor circulation. Your heels may appear as dry, yellow, or thickened skin with visible cracks that can cause pain or bleeding. A chiropodist can remove thickened skin, treat fissures, and recommend moisturizers and footwear to prevent recurrence. Prompt treatment reduces the risk of infection and discomfort. If you see beginning signs of having cracked heels, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can provide effective relief and treatment remedies.
Dry, cracked heels are more than a cosmetic inconvenience. For many people, they are uncomfortable, deep, painful, and may even bleed. If you suffer from cracked heels, please consult with Emily Yu, B.Sc from Uptown Foot Care Clinic. Our specialist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility.
Causes
- Prolonged standing
- Wearing open-back shoes
- Wearing shoes that don’t cushion the heels
- Living in a cold or dry climate
- Taking long, hot showers
- Not moisturizing the heels
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Palmoplantar keratoderma
- Juvenile plantar dermatosis
Treatments
- Soaking the feet
- Exfoliating with a pumice stone
- Moisturizing the heels
- Wearing closed-back shoes that cushion heels
- Avoiding prolonged standing
- Taking warm, rather than hot, showers
- Treating underlying skin conditions
While milder cases of cracked heels can be treated at home, some patients present with deep, painful, bleeding heel fissures that are at risk of becoming infected and may require medical care. Additionally, patients with diabetes or any other conditions that affect the immune system should be monitored by a chiropodist.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
