Cracked heels occur when the skin on the heels becomes dry, thick, and fissured due to a lack of moisture and excessive pressure. This condition can range from mild dryness to deep, painful cracks that may bleed. Symptoms include rough, flaky skin, itching, discomfort while walking, and, in severe cases, redness and inflammation. In the early stages, the skin appears dry and begins to harden. As the condition progresses, small cracks form, which can deepen over time and cause pain or infection. Common causes include prolonged standing, wearing open-back shoes, obesity, and medical conditions such as diabetes or eczema. If you have developed cracked heels, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can offer you effective 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 one of the chiropodists from Complete Family Footcare & Therapy. Our clinicians 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 offices located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.