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Cracked Heels and Heel Fissures
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 Treatment
The key to treating cracked heels at home is to apply a moisturizer
before bed at night and then trap the moisture in your feet overnight by
wearing a special sock that prevents the moisture from evaporating. Use
the following plan for 2 weeks. If you haven’t seen improvement in that
time, see your podiatrist:
- Soak your feet or take a bath or shower before bed,
- Apply a deep penetrating moisturizer, such as
Callex Ointment,
- Cover the foot with a moisture barrier sock such as
Silipos gel therapy socks.
Wear the sock overnight,
- Use the moisturizer and sock every night for 2 weeks.
- To remove the dry and thick skin we found a great battery operated tool – the
Artemis Woman Heel Smoother. This revolutionary pedicure appliance smoothes callouses and removes dry skin on heels and toes in seconds, without the use of harsh chemicals or dangerous blades.
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.
All pages on this website © 2008
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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