Cracked Heels: Causes and Treatments
Over time, the skin on the bottom of your heels can become cracked and dry. While this may be unsightly, it is rarely a cause for concern and there are things you can do to help heal your heels!
You may be wondering what caused you to have cracked heels in the first place. A common cause is wearing open heeled shoes like slides or sandals. Particular shoes without ankle straps or an inflexible sole. Over time can cause wear and tear on the heels by the repetitive slapping against the sole of the shoe.
Choosing shoes that fit well and have adequate cushioning will go a long way to avoiding cracked heels. For sandals and other open shoes, it is best if they have a strap around the heel and even better if it is adjustable. For Blue Mountains locals, we have two great shoe shop options that stock a range of good summer options (which are podiatrist approved!) and some that can be worn with an orthotic if needed. The ‘Geneva’ sandal by shoe brand Revere, is a great option for a sandal with the right support and an adjustable band around the ankle. We love to support local, and you can too by heading to Hunters Shoes in Springwood or Foot of the Mountains in Glenbrook. The Foot of the Mountains even have a page online dedicated to their range of orthotic friendly shoes.
You can check them out here:
We know that sometimes the ease and convenience of a pair of thongs or slides makes them a go to option in summer.
We stock Archies Support thongs and slides at our Springwood Clinic which is a great option for short stints of wear. Archies Thongs and Slides are made with an orthopaedic arch support making them a lot more comfortable. Feel free to pop in and check out our range!
Using harsh soaps, taking hot showers or standing for long periods can also contribute to cracked heels.
Anyone can develop cracked heels but there is usually a higher risk in people who have:
Dry skin, eczema or psoriasis.
Juvenile plantar dermatosis
Diabetes
High BMI
palmoplantar keratoderma
Some medical conditions may lead to individuals having a higher predisposition to causing dry and cracked heels.
Thyroid Conditions: Research has indicated that the thyroid gland and conditions such as Hyperthyroidism may play a significant role in the formation of cracked heels due to hormone imbalance.
Fungal Infections: Fungal infections such as Athlete's foot may contribute to the skin cracking.
Heel spurs: Heel spurs are a protrusion under the heel of the foot and may lead to a hardening or thickening of the skin, leading to cracks around the heel due to a due to mechanical factors that increase pressures in that area (i.e. Changes to the way you walk).
Some types of dermatitis can also cause dry heels.
How to Manage cracked heels:
There are some simple things you can do to care for your cracked heels at home, prevention is always better than a cure.
After allowing your feet to soak in water, allowing the skin to soften. So long as you do not have diabetes or other neuropathic conditions, you can use an emery board to lightly exfoliate the skin, gently removing the thick and hard skin on your heels. Be gentle with this process so you don’t cause damage or inflammation.
Once your feet are dry, applying a heavy emollient or moisturiser to your feet will help to keep the skin hydrated. You can put on a pair of thick socks to keep the moisturiser in place for as long as possible. Repeat this process daily or every second day to keep your feet soft and nurtured.
You may also want to look for a cream with a gentle exfoliant ingredient such as salicylic or lactic acids or Urea. These ingredients help soften and renew the skin.
If your heels are severely cracked and the fissures are quite deep, you may need some extra assistance to manage them. A podiatrist can help to shallow out deep cracks and assist with general foot care. Having a consultation with one of our podiatrists means that they will be able to aid in some manual gentle removal of the skin and a good treatment plan.
See your Podiatrist to help manage and treat persistent cracks and fissures:
Seeing a podiatrist is a great place to start for help with cracked heels as well as assisting you with your general foot care. Including issues such as ingrown nails, fungal nail infections or even diabetic nerve assessments.
If you are experiencing cracked heels and feel embarrassed about how they appear or if they are beginning to cause discomfort; Our podiatrists Phil Smith and Edward Paluzzano at Birdwood Podiatry in Springwood are here to treat your concerns. Make a booking here.