Cracked Heels and Heel Fissures

Click here for our recommendations on self-treatment of cracked skin

Introduction

Cracked Heels are a common foot problem also referred to as 'heel fissures'. Cracked heels are commonly caused by dry skin (xerosis). The symptoms are worse when the skin around the rim of the heel is thick (callus).

Figure 1 - Heel fissures (Cracked Heels)

About

Callus is simply a build up of skin that forms in response to irritation or friction, for example where a shoe repeatedly rubs against one part of the foot. Callus can be thick or thin and forms in many shapes and patterns. Thickening Callous can be a cosmetic problem when it forms on the heel

Cracks or fissures that occur within the Callous can be more serious and if left untreated and may become deep, painful, infected and begin to bleed. Heel fissure are found at the junction of two types of skin; the skin of the bottom of the foot and the skin of the side of the foot. Heel fissures can be limited to just one side of the heel or wrap around the entire heel.

Cause

In some cases a person may have naturally dry skin that increases the risk of Cracked Heels. Callous that forms around the heel is prone to cracking due to mechanical factors that increase pressures in that area e.g the way a person walks.

Other factors that can be involved in the cause of Cracked Heels include:

• Prolonged standing at work or home, especially on hard floors.
• Being overweight - this increases the pressure on the normal fat pad under the heel, causing it to expand sideways. If the skin is not supple and flexible, the pressures may cause the skin to crack.
• Open-back on shoes. This allows the fat under the heel to expand sideways and the pressure may cause the skin to crack.
• Certain medical conditions cause the skin to become dry and cracked eg diabetes or an underactive thyroid.
• Skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

Podiatric care

As with all conditions your Doctor should be consulted to diagnose and treat this condition. If the cracking is severe or fissures have formed you should make an appointment to see us in our Seattle office. Treatment may include:

• Investigation of the cause of the problem, so this can be addressed.
• Removal of the hard thick skin to promote healing. We may prescribe special creams and socks that will help to deeply moisturizer the area.
• If Cracked Heels are very painful, strapping may be used to 'hold' the cracks together during the healing process.
• Advice about footwear and prevention of the problem.
• Orthotics or arch supports may be recommended to alter the way you walk to prevent callous from developing on the heels.

Home Remedies for Cracked Heels and Dry Skin

For effective self treatment of cracked heels there are three critical steps:

1. Apply a moisturizer before bed at night.
2. Trap the moisture in the skin of feet overnight by wearing a special sock that prevents the moisture from evaporating.
3. Remove the excess thick skin.

               

Step-by-Step Instructions to Treat Cracked Heels and Dry Skin on the Feet

Here’s step-by-step instructions on how get rid of that cracked skin. Use the following home treatment plan for 3 weeks. If you haven’t seen improvement in that time, see your podiatrist:

1. Soak your feet or take a bath or shower before bed,



2. Apply a deep penetrating exfoliator and moisturizer: We recommend Kerasal Professional Exfoliating Moisturizing Foot Ointment. Kerasal is an extra-strength formula that repairs severely cracked heels and softens even the roughest, driest feet. The dual action formula both exfoliates and moisturizes in one step. For severely dry, rough, cracked heels and feet. Available only from podiatrists. Apply after bathing.
    
3. Cover the foot with a moisture barrier sock such as Silipos gel therapy socks. Wear the sock overnight. The socks are lined with a soft polymer fragrance-free gel that comfortably conforms to your feet while gradually releasing medical grade mineral oil to moisturize and lubricate the skin. The gel is hypoallergenic, does not support bacterial growth and has been dermatologist tested. The cotton/nylon/Lycra socks are latex free and have a non-restrictive cuff that keeps them s from falling down but does not restrict circulation.
    
4. Or use this Soft Skin Heel Sleeve. Cover the foot at night with this heel sleeve that leaves the toes exposed.
   
   
    
5. Use the moisturizer and sock every night for 2 weeks. Then use them once or twice per week to prevent the return of dry skin and fissures.
    
6. Remove the dry and thick skin: Remove the dry and thick skin: Every other day for the first two weeks remove some of the thick skin. Use Pumice Stones. These unique shaped stones smooth calluses and removes dry skin on heels and toes in seconds, without the use of harsh chemicals or dangerous blades.
   
    
7. Use a rotary tool such as the PediNova Electric Nail and Foot Care Kit to thin the callus. This professional quality callus and nail thinning tool allows you to thin your nail with a tool used by podiatrists. Four speeds including 10,000 RPM that allows easy thinning of the nails with no vibration. 10 tools including long-lasting diamond burrs are included For perfectly thin nails, use this tool to grind the nail every week or so. Also good for calluses. Made with incomparable German technology. This is by far the best nail thinning tool we have found. There are less expensive ones available, but they don't have enough power or burr quality to effectively thin the nails.

This home remedy works for treatment of thick and cracked skin. You can find these items online at www.FootAnkleStore.com.

Healthy feet allow for regular exercise and a healthier lifestyle. If you have cracked heels that are not relieved by the suggestions above, make an appointment to see us in our Seattle office. We can provide you with conservative treatment options that will relieve your pain. 
 

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All pages on this website © 2005-2010
Douglas Hale, DPM & Lawrence Huppin, DPM
Foot and Ankle Center of Washington, Seattle
The material provided on this web site is for informative purposes only.
If you need specific medical advice, please contact the office for an appointment.

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